Yes I'm a father so what?

by Dayziez_chavez

Summary:

Basically Dad!Goto Ryuji and the gangs questioning life's choices. And a cute little raven haired son.

 

I'd have you all know how little I can find content about some characters that I liked in SL that is based around them. And SO, I made one myself.

 

On Hiatus till further notice!!!
((This work is only on AO3 and i don't permit anyone post this without my consent on other sites or selling them))

Chapter 1: Raven Child

Notes:

ALSO, i added a handful new things on the second chapter so do be aware of that👍

How did it end up like this?

 

 

Ryuji has no idea himself.

He wasn't even planning on picking up the little thing when passing by. The creature itself is fairly Dog-alike for a human... Ryuji did considering handing it over to the authority to look for its parents. Though the thought were swiftly thrown away and he's not picking it back up after seeing the kid's condition and chooses to think it over after many of his teammates suggested doing so.

Its not exactly everyday when parents decided to abandon their children due to personal reasons- It may not be the case but it is worth to mull over. After all who knows what could happened if the child were to be return back and then only to end up just as similar but worse?.

Said creature is... Well a kid.

He wasn't sure about their age but it seems to be around two or three years old judging from their plump and small structure. Ryuji himself found the kid lounging on his porch this early morning out of no where when he was about to go on a morning exercise. Have to keep the shape up to date if he's still wants to be a hunter and can't have himself slacking.

In the middle of a fucking forest that is. He's living in seclusion for awhile and there is absolutely no one that lives near him for at least solid 40 minutes away. Courtesy of Matsumoto's idiocy and with a little intimidation? He'll be a putty in no time and easy to mold to Ryuji's whims and commands.

Heaving a sigh softly, Ryuji looks back towards the kid he picked up hours ago who's sleeping comfortably with more acceptable appearance and oblivious to the world outside. Clean with no dirt traces and practically swimming in one of his sweaters. It is a miracle that the child even survive for such prolonged time, if Ryuji's assumption is correct about it.

Hours ago he found the kid looking like a child version of Tarzan. Dirty and muddy. Long unkept haired at that, it reminded Ryuji of Thomas Andre's if he were to be honest and bold about the international S-Rank hunter. He finds the man's hairstyle ridiculous- Just imagine how mornings are with that kind of hair!!.

The clothes was nothing more then a rag, beyond recognition of what it was once. The edges of the kid's dress has faint burnt marks and torn rims, heavily muddied as mentioned as if the kid has been rolling in mud. Tilting his head upon thinking, Ryuji assume perhaps it did. Ryuji could imagine it already considering heavy rains that has been happening often lately.

Though there wasn't any kind of landslide in the surrounding areas where he live, the kid's lucky enough not get caught but there is chances it could have came from far away place if the callouses on the child's small hands and knees indicates something.

Regardless, Ryuji ends up with pinkish small bite mark all over his arms that weren't covered by clothes. The kid's a wild one and shows signs of living similarly to that of a wild animal after further inspection during their cleaning session.

The biting for instance, isn't it a gesture when an animal feels cornered and their instincts kick in? If Ryuji wasn't an S-Ranker, he's sure those marks would be bleeding by now, though only a few actual left pinkish unlike some that didn't even dent nor shows any signs of biting.

The kid's immediately realise after seeing no damage done whatsoever before it went and bite even harder(Little rascal-), though it still doesn't do much. A kid and a full grown S-Rank adult. What's it gonna do? Ryuji finds it laughable at how stupidly persistent he is, though the courage is admirable even when his mana was slipping an ooze just the tiniest bit.

He had contacted few of his team to come over and discuss this matter privately, notifying them to buy groceries that he had given a list for. Few supplies of baby's essentials as well considering few of his teammates suggested to take care of the child for a while.

Ryuji never once had taken care a child before, he only remembers the times in which he took care of himself with parents that were mostly absent through life. Not that it matters much, he'd manage without them quite well considering all of his needs are met leisurely.

And things are much better after being a hunter, S-Ranked at that. The fortunes and power he obtains surpasses normalities he used to know and the need to adapt once things started to settle. Controlling his power and keeping his mana bottled up was quite a challenge when it first came around. Having sent few normal humans into slumber by accident.

With the families's protest he had made sure to cover their hospital's expenses and taking care of each patients to be put under great hands. Even if the money he send was being used for ill intentions, it wasn't his business to meddle with.

Many children lost either parents, their life, or both during the early dungeon break periods. He was one of those who lost their parents amongst the chaos though it didn't affect much as he manages on his own like any other times. A simple habit was all it takes and before he knows it he moved on and accepted for what the world is now. Chaotic and unbalanced.

It was a struggle even for him who was left to manage their family's business and odd ends along with their heirlooms. It was a blessing for his family vast fortunes greatly helped his struggles and residence that reside far from Japan's main lands, somewhere isolated and far from chaos. How unlucky it was for his guardians to die and unable to recover their bodies.

All he did for them lastly was burying empty caskets and a small ceremony for their deaths. Before then going back as the only heir to their family's fortunes and to continue the bloodline.

Taking into account an uncle of his from his mother's side fallen into slumber during the years after settlements of the first dungeon break. The only thing keeping him alive was Ryuji himself, wasting away in the hospital bed slowly yet surely rotting. 𝘈 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦 is what Ryuji dub him as. Years has passed and there is no signs of cure of such cursed diseases.

It won't be long until Ryuji cuts the man off, death would be most reasonable action to take and put an end to their misery rather then keeping them alive only to adjourn an inevitable. Its only sooner or later before he dies.

The uncle haven't done much then scurrying around the mansion and taking care of files and documents that needed to be foreseen, in a sense helping Ryuji to lighten the work.

It wasn't much but its something, perhaps Ryuji is a cruel man for having thoughts on shutting down his own uncle even though the man haven't done anything of an offence to him. But whats needs to be done needs to be. There is no record of anyone who fallen ever woken up from it. At this Ryuji sees no reasons to keep the older man alive.

 

Faint squawk mumbles off behind Ryuji that made him snap out of his stupor and registering the sounds of car's engines approaching. Ryuji blinks. And he felt the air stilled.

He sighs once again, albeit shaky... It seems time has pass swiftly when he wasn't paying attention, a means to him lacking and a room for further improvements.

Ryuji only left the field for few months and the consequence of his indolence has come around, a reminder to be better then before and the need to train steadily growing his motivation. Ryuji could not afford for it to happened again that resulted his life to live in seclusion even if its temporary.

Things like this only suffocated him throughly and bring frustration rather then peace his doctor kept on and on about. He'd rather be on the field hunting or doing work in the office till late nights.

 

"Goto-san! Good evening!" Akari Shimizu cheerfully greeted, followed along with three others and light bows as they soon approach his porch holding groceries bag. Ryuji had given them the allowance by using his credit card for shopping all necessities when requested, this way it'll be easier for him to train his teammates from his residence rather then going outside to their gym.

"Is....this all the necessities I have asked for?" Eyeing the bags Ryuji isn't sure why has come bigger then what he'd expect. Murmuring the question softly full of disbelief though it masked well. He didn't know a babe's care would be so... Tedious.

Instead of Shimizu, Tawata answered his question casually as if the pile of bags are nothing more then a cent to their wallets. Not that he blames them for buying so much, they are wealthy in their own right. "Most of them are baby stuff, we're not sure which ones good so-"

Shimizu who hopped on Tawata's back managed to cut the woman's speech as she talks, ignoring the balk and curses send from the woman below. "We bought bunch!! All different varieties of course just in case!" Its clear how excited the girl Is about wanting to see the kid and she doesn't hides it-

Whats so special about little defenceless children that could 'Soften People's Heart' as what one of his partner had said long ago with a yearning voice, yet holds an expression of greed in her eyes, gleams with fiery determination. It was a passing thought but nonetheless he didn't exactly understand the statement.

Children are indeed important to protect from dangers and must be prioritised first when such danger occurs near one but that is all about it. Every children would grow out eventually and needed to protect themselves and life on their own when the time comes or if they wish too. Ryuji only knows so much. His therapist said so.

Not like it matters much, if he's so bold he'd say the kid's quite adorable in some way. Raven haired just like his even though his eyes are pale yellow. A trait that rarely occurs in Asia considering most populations has ebony hairs and black pupils.

Nevertheless, Ryuji has stopped questioning things long ago when it doesn't make sense. In this kind of era most things are all questionable and its better not to dwell too long if they wish to strive on.

A grumbling Ippei Izawa emerge from their behind seemingly stretching his back, evident from the cracks it created. "They were on it for hours, I-"

Tawata Kanae surprisingly tutted in firmly as if scolding a dog who misbehave if the condescending notes in her voice indicates anything malicious, yet another new thing Ryuji noticed as of recent. "Shut it! This is important for the baby" She huffed like an offended mother. Ryuji founds it funny.

"This is unnecessary-"

"No its not!!"

"Oh for fuck sake-"

"Shut it emo boy!! Leave her alone!" Shimizu retorted with a similar expression with Tawata.

"Can you both not??"

"Stay out of this Kenzo!!" Ryuji found Shimizu's behaviour rather aggressive then what he sees normally. Perhaps its because she's quite energetic today? Or had something happened he didn't know of?

Sighning through his nose, Ryuji watches on the quarrel his guild's member doing on his front porch seemingly forgotten his existence- Ryuji would have punish them for it but lately the energy to do such things has been dimming.

[The once vigorous Guild Master has reduced to just an ordinary man]

An insult he couldn't be bothered to retort back knowing he has the power to demolish that particular journalist. Reiji will have it handled even if he didn't ask.

Ryuji hardly forgets the faces of his teammates when they came into his office- Barging in with the article in one of their hands and demanded answers rather rudely considering they threw away the correct and respectful etiquette when facing someone of a higher position within the Guild.

Though despite all of their demands, words by words just seems to blend all together as they shout right in front of his face and uncaring of potential listeners or their saliva fleeting out of their mouth.

All of their voices blend into one incoherent screeches, getting louder as time tick by. Mana flaring dangerously around the building that eventually forces his employees to leave urgently yet none of his visitors cares for it as they demand answers he couldn't give.

Ryuji could 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 their anger. A coppery tang, unpleasant on his tongue. Bitter with the slightest sourness.

While Ryuji? The man only sat unfazed which only feeding their anger more, not getting the answers the wanted and letting themselves be drown trepidation that Ryuji didn't trouble himself with other then calling their Guild's psychotherapist to handle the bundle of nerves inside his office. If said doctor got his arms broken, then Ryuji had Shimizu fixed it and pay the doctor as compensation.

Effectively shutting down the bundles of nerves. Ryuji lets them leave the office in varieties shapes of disappointment. Ryuji isn't feeling bothered by it. Continuing on with his last task before dawn came around.

It happened the day he left the guild after handling all important papers and settled a Date on how long he'd be out of commission and handing the position to Reiji temporarily who accepted without further complaints and simply wishes him the best for-----

Ryuji was sure between the rest had good relationships with each other. Now? He began having doubts. Although if they do have severed relationships between one another, then it isn't his problem as long as their petty quelling does not disturb the Guild's activity. He is merely their instructor as of current.

Nothing more then that.

Though his intuition keeps chiming its bells all around, Ryuji only hopes it means well because he doesn't need much chaos for a time being, at least until he is deemed fit going back active in field.

"If you're all done squabbling around, get inside. The kid's awake"

 

For now, Ryuji will let things be as it is. He'll need time to recover before springing back in action. That with a child to take care of since none of his guild members are trustworthy enough to be alone with a child while they work as an S-Rank hunter.

If Kenzo commented he's just worried for the kid, Ryuji pretended not to hear at all. He's only taking care of it for a while.

Notes:

Be aware that some SL's event will be pushed back so it can fit multiple plots i have in store

If any of you notice, this whole Ryuji being a dad appear in my mind because of a manhwa I read and hey, its called 'Papa wolf and the puppy'. The boss looks so much like Ryuji in some way and I can't help it😭.

And I am mainly a webcomic reader, theres barely any knowledge from the web novel version that I was told to be different then the comic version. I only have a good chunk of knowledge from the novel.

But do remember this is canon divergence which means it doesn't exactly follows the actual SL's backgrounds, Ryuji's past is all made from me.

Chapter 2: Child's naivety.

Summary:

Tanaka Kenzo and Ippei Izawa are surprisingly good with children. Shimizu Akari and Tawata Kanae are both grounded.

Some point of views from the teammates on Ryuji cause i'm a sucker for him😗. And who knows, I might have did something in there, a little sprinkles maybe? Ehhhhh. Some feels honestly. I might have been to fast with Ryuji though, which is unfortunate because I was hopping for a slower pace in which I can't control.

Made him too soft and its still chapter 2. Please do hold on with me in my wreck of a writing.

Ryuji is the equivalent of calm and collected oneself. Always composed when faced with abrupt situations- Thats what the articles often says and fortunately for them it isn't far from the truth and not entirely right either.

Even then, everyone always have their own limits regardless of how unperturbed they appear to be be, Ryuji is no exception to this. And as of today, he is shockingly quite close to losing his composure. Someone could tell by the vein crawling up on Ryuji's neck like a vine and the man's steely gaze trying to keep himself at bay.

As pathetic as it may sound or as arrogant it may, he's strongly against coaching uncooperative Hunters that decided to take tutelage under his guidance unless the rookie can be mould into shape or has high potential, Ryuji could turn a blind eye or give them a few reasonable pass if its an insignificant mistake.

  However as of current and due to certain circumstances, he wasn't even suppose to be coaching anyone right now courtsy of the doctor's advice (Strongly worded advice- Ryuji never thought he'll see a day where an ordinary human would face him head on. Ryuji may or may not have the doctor's phone number saved). 

If someone were to agree or apply to be trained by Ryuji, then they ought to oblige the chain of exercises he had formed years ago, each year or months always has new additions and improvement to its courses no matter how little the change was, after all it is 'Striving to be better than before'.

He had dealt with pressuring situation where others's life are on thin fucking ice. Had to put up with relentless interviews and reporters invading both public and personal affairs regardless of time or location even if its dangerous enough to cost lives of an ordinary civilians. How could one be so shameless in doing their job or whatever is beyond him.

Reputation and power within his Guild prompted lots of others trying Ryuji's waters, in the beginning mostly and had been warned with some loss of limbs or loss of stature and organization but there are a few numbers that still tried anyways. Poking at it before taking a step onto them when they foolishly deemed safe-

Oh how naive they were! Discarding the advices, and hints Ryuji and his comrades sprinkle around generously, believing and stepping right into the faux hope Ryuji had deliberately ploy just because he can and no one would tell him to stop.

If anyone were to notice his tendencies to enjoy such absurd entertainment in seeing his opponents crumble before him. Who dare to reprimand Ryuji? None, unless they have wish not to see the sun again.

It gets boring having to repeat a continuing cycle with a seemingly no end to it. All days pass with the same activity and little changes just made things much more monotonous for Ryuji. Having a little fun won't do much harm anyway. That became the roots for the Guilds in Japan to start seeing him as a thorn.

  Greatest one at that, Ryuji made sure of it. The Draw Sword is the most supreme form of Guild consist of Eleven S-Ranks with praiseworthy talents and skills honed in battles and trainings In Japan, second largest in Asia. Exceptional Guild members even if they are D or C Rankers they have their own speciality. 

Ryuji made sure Hunters who joined him to be trained well and improve their skills within given time under trusted and diligent instructors. He gave his Guild members what he thinks will be best for them should they decided to join the Guild.

In return, it is only natural to expect something in return no? Did his rookie advanced in combat level? Could they handle a raid without supervision? Has their skills improved and so on.

 The Drawsword's work force can be hired for a price of-course depending on who and which team. If they could hire that is, if not then they could beholden themselves to the Guild. Call it cruel however, it is the best way to gain favours- Debts for him and the Guild to use whenever they need it.

Admittedly the methods looks and sounded greedy, the thought of it harbours promise, something Ryuji couldn't turn away once he lands his eyes on the opportunity it grants him and his Guild. Ryuji has no problem with it, so long there is none who got hurt physically nor laws be broken. He doubts it'll be a serious charge though if they'll get apprehended one day.

  What are they going to do? Put them in jail to rot? Ryuji dares them to try and see what happens. 

Only the best and prepared Hunters are send out for Raids. Rookies will go through series of consistent trainings till they are deemed fit. Only then he expect them to prove their worth one way or another. Convince him why they deserved to be in the Guild.

It is undeniable by the fact his guild produces fine and seasoned Hunters each months and years without a fail. His Guild is always sought after for each Hunter looking for success, fame or power with his insignia on them. So many applications each year, and too comes rivalries Ryuji always throw onto Reiji's desk to deal with it.

  Bless his Vice president truly, the most wonderful ever patient man Ryuji has the fortune to meet and recruit. The vice's salary is on par with the job itself yes, and gets bonus or raise every so often and thats probably why Reiji stayed- Reiji stayed because he felt that he couldn't let Ryuji go and that he held a great promise. Reiji said that once and good God Ryuji swore he felt his legs wobble.

If he could cook, that man would be feasting on every weeks, months and every year. Each meals in a day will be different and are all from around the world. Seven course meal bullshit all the way with candles lit and rose petals or with a nice beach view and in an island for themselves. Or stay in a nice beach villa in a secluded island because why the fuck not.

  Ryuji will and would willingly be on that man's beck and call should Reiji ever requires it. Name anything and he'll do it, did Reiji said he wanted to buy a nice cottage core house in the middle of a forest in fuck nowhere? Sure, i'll get that done soon- Oh is Reiji feeling weary with his work garments? Lets get a new one, i'll call the tailor. Did Reiji skipped dinner? Fuck that stop that we're going to this five star michelins dining so please don't collapse i need you-

Ehem.

 

Right, anyways.

 

 

They are as arrogant as Ryuji himself. Or what he used to be.

The rivals of the Drawsword guild are cunning in their own rights, they had pulled unwarranted tricks from their asses that is surprisingly well done but unfortunately with little patience that gave the Drawsword guild big chances to counter it and send their own nasty comeback. And due to that, he has to put up with other guild's mockery, ill-intents behind his back-

  The day and nights spent in tension and feign nonchalance as they tread the den of hungry animals waiting to pounce. The days he had to be highly cautious and careful in recruitments just to assure there is no mole. Ryuji and his crew should be given an award for acting so good at his point.

  Shimizu is a charming lady when she wants to be along with Mari Isihida, appearing young and seemingly easy to fool gives a false sense of security. She's the one who rants his ears off when she finds a mole or generally to gossip whats going on around the Guild. 

Atushi Kumamoto is scared easily, but he's cunning. Ryuji always notice the way that man's eyes darts around when in a dungeon. Finding suitable place to cover and optimize his skills to support his teammates. He makes a great team with Ippei, that darkly dressed man with note worthy speed and his fast reflexes helps a lot. ("He's an emo Goto-san!"  Shimizu popped up from behind, Ryuji would've reprimand her but it'll be pointless. "Whats an Emo?"  "Oh my god you're gonna love this-")

  Kanae Tawata, Ryuji notes that she's quite the hot headed woman and it comes with good reasons. Thats why Ryuji would place he as a Team Leader for her no nonsense attitude and meticulous work style, always monitoring her teammates and herd them strategically. She is the voice of reason when times grew tedious, the shining morale when they are driven on edge. She's a tough rock basically, stubborn. And Ryuji appreciates her for that. (She'll fit right in with Reiji if she ever gets her temperament in check.)

 Minoru Hoshino and Kenzo Tanaka surprisingly get along well despite their looks. Ryuji remembers the concern when those two applied themselves into the guild, the stark difference between them is just so evident in the way they fight. Tanaka loves a good beat up while Hoshino contemplates his moves and tread carefully. In the end though, they have a good numbers of similar interest.

  Domestic chores and all that, soft, and generally warm. Good with kids too as far as Ryuji noticed. Those two softies can get some. ("Oi Ryuji... do you know what that means?" Reiji has a troubled look on his expression when he asked this.  "It means they should socialize more, they'll make a good team, why?" The silence went on for a solid three seconds before it turns into one of a bewilderment then a complete blank canvas. It still fascinates Ryuji how Reiji does that flawlessly "...Oh..."  Reiji nods sagely. "Reiji? Whats wrong?"   "Nothing. Don't mind it")

 Kei And Tatsumi Fujishima, yet again goes along well. Kei is known to be a loner and avoids any other hunter due to his unique situation. So why do Ryuji always seen Fujishima around often? The chances of seeing Kei with Fujishima is higher then his needs for coffee in each hour everyday and thats saying alot.

 

He blames himself for only noticing all of this now. How foolish and blinded was he?

By the end of the days, those kinds of nuisance made the the Guild's rivals are swiftly dealt with ease. Materials, physical or non physical that could bring down countless of guilds in Japan are held by his hands with absolute dominion. More then half of the country's territory are his-

Then Ryuji blinks.

 

"Fuck..." Groans went pass through Ryuji's teeth in a flare of irritation, breathing five to five he decided it'll be best not to dwell for too long as per usual otherwise the treck way back will be difficult to find and navigate. Even though it'll happen again eventually.

Ryuji tentatively approach the child with stealth of a peerless Hunter with high accumulated knowledge. His mind began drifting once more without him meaning to do such thing. He'll need to get this disturbance under control soon otherwise he'll have to face worse consequences of doing so due to distractions.

Rustling clatters has awoken Ryuji from his stupor moments ago, seemingly coming from the kitchen area where he believes the others had left the mountain sized bags. Why and how could they even bought 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 much in the first place??? Regardless of their spendings, its a breeze to cover it anyway.

Ryuji doubts an animal has entered his premises. How could it even enter in the first place? Despite every thoughts he's producing, he threw the pointless thought away seeing no reason to ponder about it further. And so that is how Ryuji find himself trotting into the kitchen and finds the cause of rackets. And It makes quite the sight. Really, it is.

In Ryuji's honest opinion, the scene before him reminds of a flopping fish out of water helplessly trying its best to go back into where it belongs. Though the kid didn't gave up after laying motionlessly from fatigue, continuing its foolish and futile attempts of escaping from the grasp of the 'plastic monster' apparently.

Ryuji wonders how it'll fare against a true magic beast. Just the sight already made him gave up on such wild imaginations, a small structure and weak. A literal cub in front of beasts. A child could never wake it out alive-

[They could if they try hard enough-]

An ill-mannered thoughts if anything but one is always allowed to wonder in the home of their comfort minds, its called 'Intrusive Thoughts' After all. Perhaps he really is an unsympathetic bastard like what they've said. Or simply far too gone from morals on those pedestals. Now he really is thinking like a malevolent being. That has to be fix soon enough. Time will spare him, he's sure.

Truthfully, Ryuji noticed his detachment has started not long ago, not before that happened. Perhaps he should have done something to at least block off some of its influence that slowly transform his mind into something much more...Unkind? The word doesn't fit right in his mind, it felt more like empty? Not that Ryuji knows the words for it.

However, is that really the case and not something that is made from his own miserable mind? Has he gone deprived after-

 

 

He and only himself who knows what happened on that particular day. Lucky for him he was alone in that office of his. Letting the walls closing in once he comes to a realisation and air abandon his lungs, or how he fell to the carpeted floor with freshly born fawn-like limbs that wouldn't cooperate as much as he desperately wished so. 

  Not when his ears rang loud, ringing at the silence one too loud for him to bear when he knows this very silence used to give him solace and how ironic that he finds it disturbing now. Ryuji remembers the bubbling hysteria brewing inside his throat and it won't disappear even if he's clawing at it, feathery light touches crawls his very skin as he lay on the ground unable to move nor listen to his instinct to flee-

 

"Ah!!" The child loudly whine, kicking the bag that trapped him inside of the abyssal void of no return (Considering how big the shopping bag is? its understandable). "Urkh!! Hph!!!" The child is all but writhing inside a particular large violet coloured shopping bag, unaware of the pair of glowing eyes zeroing on him with full judgement. A fool is what the Child is.

Seeing as the kid has not the slightest idea to find a way out by looking around, Ryuji could only muffled his tired groan and decided to grace the child with his assistance, swiftly picking it up as it throws a fit that effectively unruffled the plastic away Ryuji believed by now the Child probably dubbed it as the 'Plastic beast' or something along that very line.

"Ho???" The child looks down at the bag falling gently onto the floor with soft rustles. Then laying motionlessly as it did so, unmoving. Not a threat, the child register rather dumbly- It tilt their head in curiosity, like a puppy they are. Thats what Ryuji's students call the child actually. They dub him as the 'Puppy'. Its better then being called a Dog? It has the same meaning, just milder.

[They have no idea what this child name is-  Who's kid even is this?!!]

Ryuji didn't know what came into him when he snorted at the child's conducts, it was out of his very control for an odd yet reasonable reason. Unfortunately getting its attention immediately afterwards.

[How come someone say this child is adorable? Has anyone not seen how disturbing they are with their big dow eyes staring at you motionlessly?

 

Said child eyes' glitters in joy when he sees Ryuji within his sight, saving him from the terrifying beast!! Oh what a saviour!! 𝘏𝘪𝘴 saviour. "Aw!! Ak!!" Arms stretching over to the older man who gaze unmoving from the child's form.

Ryuji simply eyes the child with a sort of calculating its behaviours and antics. Ryuji understands what it wants, but really. Why? Just because he helped in freeing him?? Hmph, such naivety won't survive long in the vast seas of double faced-monsters of society.

Just the more reason why most children are so fragile.

When the saviour didn't move at all despite his begging and pleas, the child sniffle, holding back tears as much as it can. Blatantly ignoring the fact tears are streaming down his rosey cheeks, only adding the pitiful look on its face

"Ah...." For a man with dignity, its a sight to see Ryuji's mouth fell slack even if its just the slightest. "Kenzo!! Leave that and come here now!" Shouting mildly, Ryuji resorts to the none other then the giant who's immediately dropped whatever they were doing to answer Ryuji's call without further question. Rushing over with vague signs if curiosity.

Ryuji himself wasted no time to hand over the Child "Hold him". As a Guildmaster, it is quite literary his job to be familiar with the people they'll be working with with, even a small bits of knowledge of them is enough.

And he knows Kenzo well enough to trust him to keep the Child's safe and hopefully calm in his hold. "Goto-San?? Whats the matter with...Er, this...Child?"

"The child has no name, for now we shall addressed him as such till we could figure something out" Kenzo bob his head in certainty at Ryuji's statement, letting the older man continue on as he began cradling the child in a comfortable position. "Could you hold him for a while? I have a session with Ippei" The amount of trust Ryuji holds for his Students are...Hmm...Strangely high.

Kenzo notice this fact quite well. After that 'Incident' happened, everything about Ryuji seems to be changed, yet all the same. He does think asking such enquiry will bring no good at all. And so he never question the changes. Never spoke a word, never discuss the matters even if its out of Goto's range of hearing.

And his teammates agrees. A share of look and they all agreed on spot without the need to spoke their questions out regarding this particular matter, letting the questions be drowned in their minds and replace them with others as they continue on with living and their own matters to tend.

Ignorance is a bliss, whoever made that line of quote, he fully support them. Not that he knows who but the words does strike his heart.

"Of course Goto-san! Leave it to me" And so he grins in joy, delighted to know their Master and Teacher still see and acknowledge their presence same as ever. Though this time, there is a tint of warmth. Hidden in the depths of those cold and detached eyes. Poised as ever. Only if you seek for it shall you find them.

However, they all notice how Goto Ryuji begins to hold them higher in regards. Eyes lingering their figure just a little longer then what it used to be every time practices happens or they are inside his line of vision. How he began to be quite attuned to their moods, habits, and even likings!

It is odd admittedly. For example offering treats out of nowhere when they finished a training sessions that they never said are their favourites and yet Ryuji knows it is. Offering and giving suggestions for them to do when they have free time- in which are the things they 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦- they sure they have 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 told Ryuji about it.

And they aren't blind in this matter either, it wasn't as if they find it creepy, quite endearing if anything else, seeing their former Guild Master trying hard to be subtle with his actions. They all come to agree by the fact-

"Very well, thank you Kenzo and..." Frowning, Ryuji finds himself staggering to finds words inside that brain of his, how could it be so difficult to say such simple things these days!!

Grumbling in annoyance, he thinks its best to leave it as it is. "Never mind it, do as you please with the house and do not bring trouble while you are inside" Ah, it wasn't so hard if he's annoyed huh? Somehow his tongue works better this way.

Neat but definitely needs a change to that. He can't afford himself to be agitated whenever he needed to convey feelings into words. But before that, he has promised Ippei a session of guiding first before he began with everyone else.

Though he hopes nothing horrible will happened when his attention aren't with the remaining students he has to teach-

Ryuji should have not left the child at the hands of his students of S-Ranks. As reliable as they are, they could be just as the opposite as well. This he should have known better then to trust them with such flimsy little thing.

"Ah..." Kenzo barely suppressed the urge to shrink away from his Teacher when he felt Goto's Mana flicking on his are skin. He had discarded his outer garments for a tank top in courtesy of sweating excessively after a tedious and jarring sparing rounds with Ryuji. Sneaking away, he sees Ippei waving his hand subtly for him to come over.

And just before he did, he gave the deers an encouraging look before he went, leaving his Teacher to attend the problem children.

"You fools...." Even now Ryuji could feel migraines poking at him

He thought his students are all rational in mind- He supposes he has a fault in that. Peering at the jittery child in their arms who was just being thrown into the air and the distance passed the height of his own residence- Eyes that glimmers under the setting sun in pure, and absolute fucking joy for reasons he doesn't want to know. "I left you...."

The students reactions amuse the man's budding anger in seeing them scramble in places looking for excuses they know he won't be listening to. Not when they had thrown the child using their unmatched strength compared to a literal baby high up into the air with no protection at all.

Shimizu has her hands in front of her chest, flicking her hands wildly trying to deny the truth with knees already bent and ready flee- Like a deer caught in the headlights indeed she is. "Goto-san we don't have any intentions on hurting the kid!!" It is only natural for a Guilty one to lie as a form of protecting themselves. This Ryuji understands, a sorry excuse of the Guilty.

"Shimizu is right Goto-san!!" Tawata, the ever Beloved of Shimizu strongly side with her [Unsurprisingly despite their rough banters here and there].

The two hunters almost cooed at the child's giggling noises, unaware of the situation and seemingly to be wanting more of those 'flying baby' move the two hunter dubbed it as. It only made Ryuji's eyebrows tick by just hearing the Child's cooing noises.

They would have cooed if Ryuji wasn't gazing at them with ferocious warning. Mana flaring dangerously that has all of them in chokeholds, not enough to suffocate, but enough for a warning. Kenzo the 'Brute' tentatively walk back and grabbed the child from two female hunters who's bound to be punished for their doings.

"You two. Run laps till I say you're done" There is a reason why the press always on their best behaviour whenever Goto Ryuji is present. And one of them is the sheer authority and Aura Ryuji has.

Needless to say, it sends two of his students running around his villa in haste, not wanting to test the man's patience any longer.

Kenzo ate a piece of takoyaki Ippei made when it was his turn to train with Ryuji and has just finished a moment ago. Relishing its heat simmers inside his mouth with comfort, Ippei himself is surprisingly a decent cook. Something not many know.

Shame on them though, Ippei's food are top qualities!! Kenzo could just lived off of these till the day he died and that is no exaggeration. There is just something comfortable, welcoming and homey in his food. Unexplainable but easy to understand the feelings when not be convey through words.

The taste is just right, soft on the insides and has nice crunch on its outside layered with generous sauce as well. He and Ippei sat by the floor of the Villa's Engawa, or known as the verandah. A short wooden table neatly set with a Plate of Takoyaki and different beverages for them both to enjoy.

That and the Child's quiet but content pace in eating Ippei's food and few sweets they'e bought before coming over. Today is such a nice evening...The breeze is so refreshing and gentle on their skins.

The sun's dimming golden rays charms the lands. And they ignored the pants of their friends in the background, probably about to collapse soon...Hmm yes. Today is a very nice day.

Ippei sees Kenzo taking his glass in the corner of his vision as he spies the villa's Chinese Elms that goes beyond the courtyard walls. Then the other spoke in a leisure tone "At least out tactic works"

It does, but it comes with consequences of course. This is a common knowledge, especially with who they are dealing with. "We lost his trust in the process" Not by much, but its still lost for them.

But perhaps this is for the better. They could assist their Teacher is raising a child! And now that Ryuji is much more benevolent, they are confident they could get the child to be adopted!! This could be their little mission to accomplish. Well, maybe not little but that isn't the main concern isn't it?

It won't be easy, and that is exactly why they'll be here to help Ryuji recovers whatever it was about that they aren't allowed to know. "I think this will take months to even can be considered a success. Maybe years?"

Ippei regards the question before he answers. As someone who's an only child, he's not sure what to say. His parents are loving and it does helps him getting along with children well due to the knowledge his parent taught into his head.

But for someone like Goto? It might be a different case, he isn't sure himself on what and how. It is undeniable the last few months Ryuji, their former Guild-master who's now in 'Vacation' time has began showing subtle signs of fondness towards his students. It is barely showed but it is noticeable considering the time they have spent in the Guild.

Ippei sighs as he resign to whatever fate will holds "This is to be expected, after all we don't exactly know what happened to the kid, though I believe it'll be best to have Goto with this child, together. I think it might help with the recovery"

Kenzo looks down at the child with a soft and curious look. "Yeah, you're right. We have a long way to go, and a lot of time for it too"

Looking at the child's eyes glimmer in wonder as it taste something sweet, they agreed it is an acceptable mission they've agreed to. Besides, no child at such age should feel misery. And hey! Ryuji is a very responsible dad, albeit strict.

Notes:

This fic is gonna be slow with updates so- I would like to apologise in advance for the inconvenience. The tags has spoken my words and thats about it. See you all around^^.

Began this draft in 9 February- ITS BEEN MORE THEN A MONTH. I am pathetic and I don't deny it. Hope you like it though, I only want the readers of this fic to enjoy the story and what I have in store because I bet ya I have more drafts in the process of becoming a chapter✌️.

Chapter 3: Hmm

Summary:

Ryuji is definitely a tired dad.

Sitting on the floor with a beanbag- Newly bought orange fruit bean bag by Shimizu who stated the beanbag was on 40% Limited discount... And that It was from a famous company that sells great home products apparently.

Ippei himself [ Surprisingly ] also butted in, adding his own opinion about how much of a loss it is not to buy them. Like a true Product promoter. Perhaps a talent that has been buried, and should be kept buried due to how convincing it sounded like on the most stupidest things on earth to ever exist.

Even Ryuji was caught off guard by Ippei's statement about this fruit beanbag. At least the kid likes it though...Said kid is currently nibbling on the sleeve of his button up shirt, wetting its cloth effectively. Sad thing is? The kid's asleep. Otherwise he would have shooed them away.

While cuddling an arm of Ryuji comfortably after being fed. Rendering the man unmoving and rigid at all times, unfortunately for him at this part. Even then, it has been a good hour or two since the kid fell asleep, and Ryuji could barely feel his left arm!

Kenzo the giant had the nerve to snatch Ryuji's cigarettes pack not to long ago, replacing them with various bubblegums or lollipops for Ryuji to consume idly whilst waiting for dinner made by Ippei.

Said dinner is made from his students- Well, one of them is banned from the kitchen, the other three is welcome. However, the policy is to be watched under Ryuji's surveillance, he need not the risk of them burning down the kitchen.

Ippei is a big welcome though, the boy's eyes could easily caught on if there is a mistake be made by one of them and immediately correct the problem or took over. Shimizu is on setting the dining table duty. [Banned from the Kitchen of Goto's residence]. Albeit reluctant.

"Ah Goto-san! Here is the kid's food, he hadn't eaten much earlier, just some sweets" Kenzo came trotting over rather joyfully with a bowl of shepherd's pie. Since the kid seems to be around three or four years old, its safe to say it could eat solid foods.

Ryuji felt his eyebrows tick and frowned. Eyeing the giant with judgement not-so subtly "You fed him sweets before dinner?" Can his students really care for a child? How could they be so irresponsible- they are adults!

"Er...Well-" Kenzo tried his best not to freeze when he heard Ryuji's snapping his tongue, it has been awhile since he last heard it. And even so, it never fails to send sparks of fear down to his very bone. An agitated Ryuji is a dangerous Ryuji. This itself is a common knowledge.

"You may go, and there is no need to wait for me, I'll be eating on my own later" With the most casual look and tone, he dismissed the distressed Kenzo away as best as he could manage. Feedings kids sweets before dinner is something an individual shouldn't do, this has been told from a young age and Ryuji does believe anyone should have known this 'Advice'. Otherwise, said children won't eat anything afterwards and potentially throw tantrums in the future if such practice repeats.

However, with Ryuji's dismissal it only causes Kenzo to fidget more rather then leaving. Though not long, Kenzo seems to brighten like a lightbulb. "Goto-san, we have issued an investigation about the Kid's origin and possible relatives. And as you preferred, we've told the investigators to keep it a secret. Rest assured the search won't be leaked"

Kenzo visibly brightens even more then whats possible, Ryuji on the other hand narrows his eyes at the sight. Caving in with his students strange antic these days he simply sighs through his mouth, what more could he do? Sometimes he couldn't help but to feel more of a Babysitter rather then their Guild Master.

"That is great, thank you Kenzo. However, tell them to come to me tonight instead. Now go, the others are waiting for you to eat" He could really use a smoke right now...How sad it has been taken away from his own grasp. And he meant literary, Shimizu somehow shimmies her way into snatching the cigarette pack from his hands before running away earlier.

Kenzo bowed before he left with little flowers blooming in his aura. Visible for all eyes to see practically, even Ippei makes a face when Kenzo sat beside him! And you know it is rare for the young man to ever do such a thing.

"Hrmng...Don't chew the spoon kid- Do you even understand what I'm saying???" At this point, Ryuji doesn't even know why he's talking to the kid who does not understand a single words he'll say.

It feels strange. No doubt his ears are red from shame, how did someone do such a thing without the slightest of humiliation?? Seriously, its like talking to a wall that gurgles at you!

"Keep talking to him Goto-san, it helps children with their language communication!" Kenzo, the ever beloved and kind hearted Kenzo chimes in with the sweetest smile Ryuji has ever seen, even he himself wasn't aware Kenzo could make such expression.

Dont blame Ryuji if his eyes narrows in Kenzo's direction. That either means murder or irritation. Or none in between, it is difficult to discern what Ryuji truly meant with his expression these days. "Sure..." This means: 'Everything is just fine!'

Not fine and peachy, but as long as its not the murder option? Everything is just fineee. Sunshine and daisies. 𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙩𝙤-𝙨𝙖𝙣! If Kenzo could shed tears right there and now, perhaps he would have done so.

Ippei pats Kenzo's back out of sympathy as he munch on a strip of carrot beside him. Even he could see the clear distress from Kenzo, who would have known this giant is such a loveable creature?? Certainly not his past self now that he sees it for himself.

Ippei spies Kanae leaning towards Shimizu and whispering "Is that really Kenzo?" And Shimizu's reply "Apparently...". Not that he blames them, it is a strange sight. And a good point to know that Kenzo is not just some brainless brute as plenty portrayed him as.

And with that, Ryuji and his students went about their own business. Filling the house with their chattering as he continues spoon feeding the kid he picked up. Said kid had been changed into the new bought clothes. And so does Ryuji himself, wearing a long button up shirt he often use for work incase the child starts biting up.

Even with the calm and easing atmosphere, Ryuji couldn't help but to wander away. Things seems well now but his concern are centred around this particular kid. What would happened if they didn't found his parents? They could be orphaned of course, that seems to be most suitable. With his line of work it is simply impossible for him to even imagine taking care a kid. Let alone raising one till matured.

Not to mention hours that is spend away in his office related work or dungeons, or even abroad if the needs calls. There are plenty of reason to give this child over to an orphanage. That way, the kid would be in much more suitable place to grow up.

Is it really though?

The raven haired kid chew his food and swallowing them rather quickly before he took another bite with a muffled 'A-opmh'. It seems most of his food are still inside his mouth. Greedy little thing indeed.

Ryuji felt himself frowning at the ideas of this kid living in an orphanage. Sure it is a suitable place for unawakened civilians to be there, but what if said orphanage doesn't treat their children right??

He has seen few articles of mistreatments that happened inside such facilities in the past. He knows there is good ones out there, he could just get someone to investigate it first before dumping the kid in, but the thought still left him...Unsettled.

Ryuji finds himself frown before he could stop them from forming. And whatever happens to the kid will not be his business. The kid isn't his, so why should he feel so bothered and worked up over something like this exactly?

Scrubbing some splotches of sauce away from the kid's cheek with his thumb, Ryuji clicked his tongue from the child's mess it created just by eating. "You're hopeless..." How could the little thing even messed up something so simple when he's being spoon fed? Perhaps Ryuji should teach the little thing some eating etiquette before sending it off somewhere.

And so thats how the four students try not to pay to much attention to the brooding old man feeding a a child who's unaware of it all. The dark aura is practically radiating off from Ryuji, some are only fade away from the Child's bright aura as it ate joyfully.

"Hey...shouldn't we say something?" Shimizu whisper as silently as she could, body leaning on the table while her gaze kept locked on her Teacher not too far away from the dining table.

"Do you want to?" Ippei, equally silent in front of her whispered back, focusing on his food rather then the gloomy atmosphere behind him. Beside him, Kenzo nodded in agreement with Ippei. And surprisingly, Kanae seems to agree, albeit silent the whole time.

"....No.."

"Then keep eating" And continue they all did.

 

Ryuji stands inside the guest bedroom. Now arranged to fit a child's environment the best he could, whilst his students did most of the child-proofing before hiking into a separate guest house that'll take a solid 20 minute walk from Ryuji's villa.

Even from this distance he could feel their presence like a weighted blanket on his senses. Although in this time around, he doesn't mind it unlike the past where he did. It is quite comforting to know their presence not far away, that and safe and sound.

It would have been a nice night if the child who's now constantly running around Ryuji in circles while on their knees and palm is not behaving like this. No doubt those hands will be rough in terms of texture due to its misusage.

Never in his life Ryuji thought he'd be dealing with a child who's behaviour is that of a wild yet tame animal. Its pretty easy to know and guess said Child has been living and serving in the wilderness for an unknown amount of time, yet it is enough to form a behaviour similar to an animal who live in wild region.

Nevertheless, he turned into the only thing he knows that'll help him in regards of...Making a child fall asleep. The internet! Surely such platform like that would have tons of tips and tricks right?

.....

"Fuck.." The internet does not help at all.

 

And so here is Ryuji in his glory. Barging open his bedroom door as he rushes down the hallway and into the first ground of his villa while dressed in nothing but a shirt and sweatpants. In mere seconds he arrive in front of a Child's bedroom, sneakily opening the door and peeked his head inside.

"...Why am I even doing this?" Ryuji mutters in annoyance, seeing said Child sleeping soundly on the ground with its belly up and laid star shaped. At least the Child slept on a carpet...That isn't the point, Ryuji is pretty sure he left the child on the bed before he retired to his own room.

Huh...Ryuji hadn't heard a single thud ever since, and judging from its oblivious posture its safe to say the Child did not suffered a hard fall, maybe it made its way down safely since the bed it self isn't so high up.

Sighing heavily through his mouth, Ryuji push the door open gently as he pitter towards the child. Crouching down before he straighten with the Child cradled in his arms and safely deposit the child on the bed once again.

Ryuji even took a time to arrange the beddings, using pillows as a barricade in a neat rectangular shape to prevent a child from falling. And finally, he sweeps a blanket over and ready to leave.

He would have, if the child didn't grab onto his sleeve.

 

Ryuji himself felt his body froze, slowly turning around and hearing the child mumbling in his sleep, a hand gripping his sleeve tightly. Ryuji's eyes flick around the room, frowning in concern as he hesitantly kneels over the bed, his arm resting over one of the pillow so the child could grab on comfortably.

And upon closer observation... Ryuji can see the frown marring this child's face, that before he notice the child began kicking and flinch now and than. He felt his eyes widen ever so slightly as he come upon a realisation. So then Ryuji thought, oh......𝘖𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴.

What should he do as of now? His life has never thought him to deal with something like this. Biting his lips, Ryuji retrace his hand back from touching the child, he doubts it'll help in calming it down.

He had experience the horrors in his sleep weeks after restless night when the new beginnings of the world happened. The terrifying creatures he seen stuck in his mind evidently, down from its tiny little details too.

Some of it had him dying in most gruesome ways that Ryuji knows someone had died the very same way his dreams portrayed it. Bodies turned in half either from being thrown or snapped inside a monster's jaws.

It was a bloodshed. And for that very reason, he deployed few therapist in his Guild after it became an official Guild. He knows the fear after being faced with a monster and near death experience. Having someone to help them through it would be nice. And people say he's cruel and heartless. Hmph, what fools are they to say such things.

Snapping back to reality, Ryuji sat himself down with a sigh leaving his lips. He might as well stays and see things out, letting the child grip his fingers as it body curls towards him. Eventually snuggling to his arm few minutes later.

It is the best thing he knows what to do. Ryuji thinks it won't be a good idea to woke a child from their nightmares, it'll stick with harshly after being awoke wouldn't it? He's pretty sure most people would forget their bad dreams if they woke up naturally.

The internet did suggest he shouldn't wake them up...And also to put away electronic devices...Huh...

 

"Urgh...Why does his house have to be so dark like this?" A young man mumbled for himself, looking around. The time shows to be pass midnight, even then the room harbours soft and dark blue hue from the moonlight. The floor to ceiling windows does great job in installing dim lightning, enough for him to traverse in the dark. Also with small wall lamps that gives a pleasant atmosphere.

Even here, he could hear vague rustling of trees from the outside and it is a nice addition. He could bet billions he'll sleep just finely with such atmosphere. Walking onward, the young man eyes each paintings on the wall as he walk pass by, most of them are paintings of scenery, some are portraits. And a short table that holds small potted plants decorating it stood in the hallway.

For someone like Ryuji, this feels quite unusual to have these kinds of decor. Though he didn't dwell in his thoughts too much, having to arrive in front of the room where the master of this home resides, he knocks four times. And when he does, he heard the permission to enter. And enter he did.

He steps into the room with a grin as he greeted the House owner cheerfully. "Evening Yuji-Kun! Oh how I missed---"

The spike of mana effectively cuts the visitor's speech off, shrinking their frame in absolute instinct on that as well. "Shut it, theres a kid sleeping nearby and if he wakes up I'll 𝘤𝘶𝘵 that tongue of yours" The master spat with venom in his voice, eyes glowing with Mana in warning.

"Still as cold as usual!! Good to know you haven't changed yet, hah!" Even despite the threats, this young man doesn't seem all bothered.

Ryuji sighs in expiration. He should have choose someone else for this job. Unfortunately, this man is one of few he could trust with his secrets. Clicking his tongue Ryuji choose not to meddle any longer. The faster this rascal leave, the better it is. "Whatever, I want you to investigate someone"

"Mhmm, Kenzo already filled me in" The man chimed in as he held his chin in thought. Glancing towards the clock in mild interest before he continues "Its about the kid right?"

"That and an additional one, this has nothing to do with the kid, its just what I want on personal note. He's a Korean young man...It'll be difficult...Send a few of your crew to inspect them. Silently and unnoticed, if its necessary have an outer party we can trust to do it" Ryuji says whilst rummaging through his drawers and taking out a transparent Map Snelhecter and began arranging a good stack of papers into it.

The visitor reply to Ryuji's demand with full enthusiasm, casually saluting just annoy the elder more. "Leave it to us Yuji-kun! We'll get it done as soon as we can"

Ryuji, despite himself. Threw the folder directly to hit the man in the face with a frown and barely suppressed mana. "Hmrng....Stop calling me that would you?"

"Nope!"

He is really close from snapping that bastard in 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧.

Notes:

Running this chapter on big headache, so I apologise if I messed up somewhere. The world is literary spinning around me.

Chapter 4: Such a smart kid

Summary:

Ryuji cooks

 

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Notes:

I am supposed to be doing the other fic but here I am. If anyone wonders what I've being doing, well do you know the new game from Hoyoverse called 'Honkai Starrail'? Because if not, I have been active in playing them so uh- Yeah✌️

Day 6

 

"No don't- Put that thing down Shimizu!"

"Ouch-! Sorry Teacher! I'll do it right away!" Comes a whiny voice of the Drawsword's S-Ranked healer as she caress a spot on her head where Ryuji has just 'lightly' smacked a thick cook book over it. Its really was not that hard. Nevertheless, Shimizu pouts in a comical way, receiving pats from Kanae who has furrowing in the centre of the brow, showing her sympathy.

"I can't even leave you lots for ten minutes- Kenzo!! Come here!!" Ryuji screamed across the vast residence. His voice itself travels swiftly throughout the field in echoes for the tank to hear. Said man snapped his neck towards the caller in quick precision of its location and came jogging with a surprisingly large umbrella covering him, the nerves in his body already jittery that even a dense maiden would notice.

And so the brute came after putting away his muddied boots. Standing slouched, his shoulders are down as if hoping it'll make him look smaller... And shorter then his master. Kenzo Tanaka kept his gaze on the ground like a kicked puppy, it is an endearing expression but Ryuji only felt ticked off. Kenzo appears to be rather soft for a brute. Not that Ryuji minds it of course, it is a nice fact he likes about Tanaka.

Ryuji huffs upon seeing his student's demeanour, willing himself not loose his composure among the chaotic kitchen that has dawn upon them all on a particular rainy day. A very, very heavy downpour day. 

 And it so happened that his students were just about to leave earlier when it started to rain heavily till the point they can't see the outline of their own car from how heavy the rain and the fog has become. And fortunately enough, Ryuji allowed them to stay until the situation got better.

 But of course it didn't, The relentless downpour did not relents even after hours.

 And here they are. Covered in filth of their creations. Precisely, covered in sauces and obvious signs of flours that Ryuji comes into a conclusion that they were using it for a fight. Flour fight to be precise.

In which someone has doused the whole container of flour onto Mari Ishida till only her eyes and legs are visible enough, unlike her upper body... And looking a step away from actually killing... Someone. That she clearly trying hard not to snitch on... Admirable.

 Ryuji himself has to rein over his bubbling anger, closing his eyes shut with a grunt as if doing so will magically fix his students's mess, but that would be a mere dream of course, nothing more then a facade. And so, Ryuji distinguish the growing, flickering fire of his irritation with wet towels that immediately kill its ambers. Leaving the smoke to simply trails the air.

 Nothing will be done if he just stands there scolding them. Its no use, and Ryuji himself had similar incidents with them and many others during his time as an active hunter.

  "Did you made something edible for the child at least?" Ryuji hopes. And he hopes high, hopeful in a way almost desperate when he opens his eyes. Only to be met with three guilty looks from the three girls. And Tanaka whose floating all over him as if trying to ease his master- Ryuji can feel the man's mana energy, fluttering very close by despite Tanaka sealing his mana signature.

  "Uh... Teacher, how about i'll be the-"

"I did not ask of you to cook, Tanaka"

"Of course-"

"Mn"

 And Tanaka promptly shuts up after that with Ryuji's curt answer, standing behind once more, his eyes pulled down with taut eyebrows. Expressive as always when in private.

The ex-Guildmaster took his gaze away from the tank with a long drawn sigh, facing the three woman once more with a firm facial expression. Yet his lips are soft, not pulled in a thin line and it relax upon seeing their guilt.

"Just... Clean this mess." Ryuji decided as he dismiss them with a wave, turning around to fetch fresh and still edible ingredients amongst the chaotic mess.  "I'll prepare that child's meals, till then i wish not to see any more of this clutters. Am i understood?"

 In perfect unison, the four students yelled their agreement, loud and clear despite the raging storm outside. Their faces are that of determination and relief as they scatter around the abode looking for tools to do their assignment.

Tanaka himself goes to help, even though Ryuji did not ask for it. Eh, the more the merrier. Ryuji merely shook his head with furrowed brows while he rolls up his sleeves and gets to preparing a simple meal.

Said food are done through an online recipe Ryuji looked up a while back. It has quite the variations, many that seems to interest the little child when it had managed to climb up to sit by Ryuji's lap. Eyes glittering with its mouth agape, and drooling.

 From what Ryuji has noticed, it seemed to be fairly interested in the picture of Tamago Sushi. Perhaps due to its bright colour that drawn him in. And with that in mind, Ryuji sets up his phone the quartz countertop, leaning it on a glass after making sure it wont slip.

  The procedure itself is relatively easy to handle. Not much to do other then cracking the egg into a bowl. A little salt then mix them together before then pouring them over a hot non-stick pan that has been well covered with oil.

 The thing he needs to look out for is just about the heat. Ryuji would not want it done unless its perfectly yellow. Bright yellow. Lemon-like yellow. Thats what he needs. And soup! And Natto apparently.

  According to the site, despite the dreaded smell, natto is a golden health booster — it’s rich in calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin C and magnesium among other minerals and vitamins. Which is good, it has all the things the child needs during early age.

 

---

 

 Tanaka eventually came around when Ryuji is currently shaping the sushi up with decorative faces using nori. Its... A sight to see, especially if one is to talk about an S-Rank Hunter whose also a Guildmaster on vacation doing cute cookings for a child he said he doesn't want to keep around. But Tanaka wisely kept his mouth shut.

"Do you need help-"

"No"

"I haven't said anything!" Tanaka despaired. His voice going rather higher then his normal deep baritone, and is full of betrayal that Ryuji didn't bother to bat an eye yet as he use a small knife to trace this one fictional character Gudetama's face so he can place them on the egg.

"...No" Ryuji, stoically dismiss Tanaka without glancing. Much too focused on the task in front of him as he does so with great focus only many of his fellow ranker gets to see during a board meeting.

  "But Teacher, i can really lend you a hand" Tanaka continues to insist. For Ryuji, he finds it rather strange how Tanaka seems to be begging for assignments a lot these days. 

Whenever Tanaka sees Ryuji, the tanker would approach him for brief moments and starts an idle chat. Such as how Ryuji felt today, did he slept nicely, does he needs any help or anything at all. Its.... Strange. Even so much more if Ryuji thinks back of the past.

 

---

 

 Tanaka only continues to pester Ryuji. Never stopping yet somehow keeping it respectful, and its mind-blowing how he even managed to do that. And so, Ryuji relents. "Fine so stop pestering me!" Ryuji huffs at the tanker, stabbing the knife with a thunk on the cutting board as he send a half-assed glare and a vague guttural sound from the depth of his throat. In warning of course. No danger or threats at all.

"... You can go on and cook up a broth for the kid. Be sure it isn't too salty when you're at it" Ryuji listed with ease as his irritation flushed out all completely in mere seconds under his command. Gone is the growing amber from his eyes as it returns to nothing but dull.

Tanaka's eyes seemed to flash something. Something that Ryuji surprisingly didn't manage to comprehend what it means other then grief. For what? Ryuji doesn't know. And he does not bother.

  Ryuji goes straight back to prepare the rest. Platting it along side a small dish of natto that he hopes the child will at least like them... He really hopes so because he's not eating that pungent food.

 

 

  The sky has gone dark. The rain never relents.

 Walking down the desolate hall is strangely comforting as he holds a tray filled with variety of dishes. Ryuji somehow felt lighter, his body feels airy then before which he finds it intriguing. His mind was rattling earlier, while yes he could still focus around, its not exactly comfortable.

 Though perhaps its due to the fact he's been all but surrounded with Mana energy- His students knows how he loath to be near S-Ranks and even if he has to, Ryuji always kept it to a minimum. 

 And they were trying their best to confine their mana from flowing freely as they would in a dungeon. For Ryuji's and the child's sake. 

Admittedly Its endearing. Nonetheless. Ryuji have no reason to tell them that, does he? And so he goes on till he reach the east side of his abode. Where he had purposely sets up(Rearranged is the correct word).

  A living quarters for the child in hopes said child won't be largely affected by 'Eternal Sleep' due to considerable size exposure of Mana. Though strangely, he never seen the child feeling discomfort whenever someone accidentally let their Mana leak. Its almost as if the child merely looking at a thing and simply ignored it.

  The entrance is plain as it made. Ryuji made sure to knock first before he opens the door- He slides one leg into the crack of the opening immediately with movement only and S-Rank such as himself could see. And felt a dull thump met said leg.

 Said disturbance itself came from none other then the child who was knocked back from the force after it ram his body into Ryuji's leg in attempt to escape its current living area. 

 Said child grumbles and glared at Ryuji. Surprisingly rather fierce for a child. Are children supposed to be like that?

 Mind you, the room is plentiful of space and even has a floor to ceiling window with a gorgeous green scenery outside!! The room has been child-proofed to prevent any incidents and there are plenty toys to keep the child entertained. Colourful walls where it can be drawn on and erased if wished. 

 Yet the child always attempted to flee whenever Ryuji tries to enter the room. And in retaliation, the child clings onto the leg like a koala and hardly ever let go unless its feeding time.

 And fortunately, Ryuji easily stabilise the tray in one hand as he opens the door larger for himself to enter and swiftly closing them after. When he turned around though...

 Hmm....

 

 "Are the toys boring to you, kid?" Ryuji looks down, fully not expecting an eligible answers yet he asked despite knowing the outcome... Hmm...

 And as expected, the kid growled in lieu of answer. And by what i mean growled, i meant full on growl that reminded Ryuji of magical beast from the dungeon. Albeit high pitched and broken here and there. Yeah, this kid is definitely grown in the wilds no doubt.

 Ryuji simply lets the kid cling on as he walks around the room. Taking a foldable wooden table that indeed has been child proofed around the edges. Courtesy of the Gentle Giant Tanaka. Who could have thought that tank has a spot for small children.

 "Get off if you want to eat.." The child seems to understand, which is good because it lets go with a bite. Literary biting with all its might before it toddles towards the circular rug and all but plops down. Looking up at Ryuji with expectant eyes as it waits, Patiently. 

 The frown that blooms upon Ryuji's face is evident. And one that he couldn't help. "... You're real smart for a kid" Ryuji only shakes his head as he goes over to sets up the table in swift motions while careful enough not to spill any.

 "Oooo" The child's golden eyes visibly sparkles- If that's even possible- Snatching the offered spoon Ryuji held out for him as it grip them hard and...

Ate said food with bare hands. Bare Handed. 

 

 "...Grant me mercy"

 

---

 

 Ryuji stagger to lean on the wall before he slides to the ground with a dull thud. Heaving a sigh through his lips, long drawn and weary of the day. 

  He then counts the each breaths he took.

 Strains his sense of hearing till he could faintly hears the cheerful laughters over the harsh bitter storm outside his abode showing no signs of relenting. 

 Ryuji will never admit it, but it felt... assuring to know that his teammates are there. His students are here. Their hearts are beating, and their Mana are thriving. They are alive. Those words repeats inside his mind like a plead.

 

 And Ryuji breathes. Albeit shaky and might have stuttered a few times- but he's breathing and it is enough. Its something to start with at the very least.

  Glancing aside, Ryuji spies in the dark, seeing a small lump beneath a large blanket It doesn't move much, just a vague rise and fall in the center of the lump and Ryuji thinks its how if a breathing mountain exist. Well it does, in dungeons.

 Looking down, Ryuji spies a crumpled child cloths, dirtied with food stains that needs to be washed immediately unless he wants to ruin a newly bought goods. Or of course, he could just throw it away and simply buy new ones yet again. Children grew fast aren't they? Sooner then later, that child won't fit anymore.

 Blinking, Ryuji frowns and his lips in a tight knit. He's not keeping the kid here. Not under his care, no. He wont have time for that.

 

 With a scowl marring his expression, Ryuji resist the impulse to feel the tiniest bit of anger because then he knows that his Mana will spill and be a harm for the young child. He's a bastard yes, but he's not a cruel man either. And so he took a deep inhale. Taking in the scent of the room, his nose picking up the scent of something sweet, and freshly washed laundry.

  Ryuji did a good job at arranging the room indeed, something he finds himself happy about. Either way, Ryuji all but slumped on the wall. Mhm, he Slumped. He did that with great courage and overcome the needs to be a flawless Hunter and slumps till he fully lay on the ground, fishing his phone up and watched as the phone lights up, showing the time.

  Late midnight, precisely 01:49AM. Ryuji gives it a read before he sees a notification from a Messenger App and couldn't help but to brighten upon reading who's the sender. It brings a small delightful smile and his expression soften considerably.

  Ryuji is embarrassingly quick to open the lockscreen as he all but jumps into the chatroom of said sender and send out a reply. Even now, he couldn't stop the smile from forming in his lips.

 

10: 39 PM • • • •

---

Jin(No Coffee No Life)

How did it go? Went well?

Ryujii

Hey

Ey

Heyy

Yujii

Yuji

I know you're awake.

---

 

 Ryuji sighs, a mellow chuckle escaping his lips before he could even realise he did such thing. And yet, he finds that he doesn't mind it much either way. The messages has been sent from two to one hour ago which means he might had been quite distracted and focused with the child's feeding time.

 Ryuji grimaced lightly when he remembered the stain of food still present right beside him, and how that Child smears it dirtied fingers on the fine fabric without a care. 

 Nevertheless, Ryuji sends a reply soon.

 

 

01: 51 AM • • • •

---

(You) [Ryuji]

Sorry, i was feeding him when you send the texts

I had to wash him up again too because he's such a messy eater

---

 

  Ryuji settles with an explanation, and not one minute later, he sees the other is typing.  

 

 

01: 53 AM • • • •

---

Jin(No Coffee No Life)

Don't worry about it, young children are like that 

They're often then not have a messy lifestyle in early stages 

And if what you said is right about his situation and circumstances, he's fundamentally an infant.

You have a long way to go Yuji 

---

 

Ryuji felt himself hum and his eyebrows tight together. 

 

 

01: 54 AM • • • •

---

(You)

I'm not keeping him 

---

 

 

01: 56 PM • • • •

---

Jin(No Coffee No Life)

You will

He's cute so why not? Besides, if anything that child probably wouldn't let go of you now

---

 

 

 

 

Notes:

I had this chapter in my draft for like five months