Seeing Mizuki's eyes suddenly well up with tears, Takumi was caught off guard. Without any warning, she began to cry—pat pat, her teardrops fell silently to the ground.
Takumi instinctively reached out and pinched her soft, squishy cheeks."What are you crying for?! Shouldn't you be happy that I'm not taking your stuff anymore? That just means more snacks for you every day!"
Mizuki's face scrunched from the pinching, her teary eyes locking onto him as she mumbled, "But... you always took my snacks before. Why don't you want them today?"
Takumi paused, not quite sure how to respond."Are you... sick? Or are you just addicted to being bullied by me?"
Mizuki sniffled and covered her face, still clutching the candy in her hand, looking utterly pitiful.
Takumi sighed, deciding to drop the candy issue altogether."Didn't you say you wanted your mom to sign you up for Taekwondo class? Did that happen yet?"
She shook her head. "Not yet… I haven't brought it up."
"You don't want to anymore?"
"I do! I do want to!" she quickly clarified, waving her hands in panic as if afraid he'd misunderstand.
"It's just… Mom and Dad just got divorced, and they've both been so busy lately. I was planning to tell her tonight."
Takumi nodded, relieved."All right. Well, even if you hesitate over small things, you've got a good head on your shoulders when it comes to the big stuff."
They were just about to enter the school when the teacher's voice rang out from ahead, calling roll.
As they walked toward the line, Mizuki added softly, "Mostly it's because… Mom and Dad hadn't shared a bed in a long time anyway. If they're unhappy together, it's better to split up sooner."
Takumi gave her a look of admiration."You're way more articulate now than you used to be. You actually sound smart."
Mizuki ducked her head shyly, not sure if that was a compliment or a tease.
The teacher called out again, "Is Mizuki here?"
Before Takumi could raise his hand for her out of habit, Mizuki straightened up and raised her hand first."Here, teacher!"
"Then get in line and stop wandering around," the teacher said.
Takumi watched her proud little gesture and smiled to himself. Two months of effort hadn't been wasted.
During morning self-study, Takumi sat at his desk, openly staring at Mizuki.
She nervously gripped the edge of her chair and blinked at him, confused but curious."What... what is it?"
Takumi leaned in slightly."Mizuki, do you want to always stay with me?"
The system hadn't exactly explained how to initiate a contract, but he figured sincerity on both sides was probably the key.
Mizuki tilted her head. "Always stay with you... what does that mean?"
Before he could answer, a nearby student flipped open an extracurricular book with a cartoon of a bride and groom on the cover. The caption read: "Together forever."
Mizuki's clever little mind made the leap instantly.Her face turned bright red.
Always stay with him...That meant getting married.That meant being husband and wife.That meant… sleeping together.
Takumi wasn't sure how to explain it himself. "It's not anything weird. You can take it however you like. It just means we're good frien—"
Before he could finish, Mizuki looked up at him with big eyes and slowly nodded.
"…Okay. I'm willing."
Takumi blinked, impressed by how straightforward she was."Then let's pinky swear. No take-backs!"
She raised her little finger and hooked it with his, her voice soft but determined."No take-backs."
[You have successfully formed a Destiny Contract with Fairy Mizuki, snatching her from the sect's future. From now on, when Fairy Mizuki cultivates, you will receive double the experience. However, during the contract, Fairy Mizuki appeared to have... other thoughts about you.]
Other thoughts?
Takumi asked directly, "What kind of thoughts do you have about me now?"
Still holding his finger, Mizuki tilted her head in confusion."Thoughts? I don't have any thoughts… I was just thinking I'd follow you from now on."
Takumi pulled his hand back and opened the kindergarten reader in front of her.
As someone who had transmigrated, he wasn't the least bit interested in a five-year-old girl that way, so her feelings weren't something he thought deeply about."Whatever. Think whatever you want. Just read your book."
"…Mmm."
The day passed quietly. Takumi watched Mizuki flip through her book with full focus, then glanced at the system's progress bar.
It hadn't moved.
So… reading doesn't count as cultivation for her?
He sighed. "Looks like I've still got work to do."
After school in the evening, Mizuki tugged at her mother's sleeve and said softly,"Mom, I want to sign up for a class…"
Mayumi, who had come to pick her up, blinked in surprise. This was the same quiet daughter who, back when the divorce was weighing on her, rarely spoke unless prompted. Now, suddenly, she was taking the initiative?
For a moment,Mayumi felt as if the storm had passed and a new season was beginning—not just for her, but for their whole family.
She crouched down to Mizuki's level and gently asked,"What kind of class do you want to join? Something to get a head start on elementary school?"
Mizuki shook her head and carefully pulled a folded flyer from her coat pocket.
Takumi had helped her get it from the taekwondo gym a few days ago.
"No… this one."
Mayumi took the flyer and unfolded it. The moment her eyes caught the bold headline, her expression shifted from curiosity to disbelief.
"Taekwondo?" she looked back at her daughter, who stood with both hands at her sides, honest and determined. Then she glanced at the flyer again, which was filled with energetic kids mid-kick and mid-pose. "Do you even know what taekwondo is for? It's basically people fighting. You want to learn that? You're so small—what if you get hurt?"
"I can handle it," Mizuki mumbled, eyes firm. "I'm not afraid."
Mayumi gave a helpless little laugh. She reached out to brush her daughter's hair aside and said with a trace of emotion,"People say kids grow up overnight. I guess it's true. I didn't even notice when my princess became so strong."
She stood, taking her daughter's hand."Okay then. Let's go have a look. If you're serious about it, I'll pay the fee and sign you up today."
"Thank you, Mom!" Mizuki beamed, hugging her arm.
Later that evening, they arrived at the children's taekwondo gym in the mall next door. Mayumi, standing at the viewing area, watched the kids sparring inside—punches flying, feet kicking, mats squeaking.
Her adult instincts were laced with worry.
But Mizuki's eyes were filled with pure admiration as she watched children her age moving with such strength and confidence. Her little fists clenched with determination.
After a safety guarantee from the coach and a trial session, Mizuki officially enrolled.
From that day on, Mizuki began her path in taekwondo.
And it was also from that very day that Takumi noticed something unusual.
The cultivation progress bar finally began to move.
[Fairy Mizuki, after wandering in the mortal realm for months, has finally found her path of cultivation. Her current realm: Beginner Martial Artist.You, bound to her destiny, have advanced to Low-Level Martial Artist. Strength +2, Spiritual Energy +1.][Current Total Level: 11]
So... her cultivation path is taekwondo?Takumi stared at the screen, bemused.I feel like I already know what kind of terrifying girl she'll become in the future…
—
Time passed quickly, and before long, winter arrived early that year. Snowflakes drifted down quietly, frosting the streets. With winter break starting, kindergarten closed for the season.
At the entrance of the taekwondo gym, Takumi stood in the viewing area, watching Mizuki—now clad in a tiny taekwondo uniform—sparring with another child.
Her small frame and cute, chubby face looked almost comical in contrast to her sharp, focused movements. Her kicks were fierce and clean, her footwork stable.
The contrast was surreal, and somehow... adorable.
One couldn't help but admit: her talent had taken a very unexpected turn. This once-bullied little girl, who used to cower in silence, now stood proudly, punching and kicking with confidence.
And more than that—she was winning.
In just over a month, she had gone from being the one who got beaten up to someone who could defeat most boys her age. She'd even gained a reputation at the gym.
Of course, part of her rapid improvement came from secret training.Takumi, during breaks and free time, had been personally coaching her behind the scenes.
Watching her now, fierce and focused in the ring, Takumi crossed his arms and gave a satisfied nod.
"She's starting to look like a real martial artist."
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