Ever since Gaio paid a personal visit to Tenko with a bunch of "gifts," the top brass of Neon has been walking on eggshells around this untamed, overwhelmingly powerful guy. They've adopted an attitude of extreme caution and respect.
To curry favor with him, Yukino's father, previously just a prefectural assemblyman, was suddenly promoted to a seat in the national Diet. His status skyrocketed, and rumor has it the newly appointed prime minister is eager to cozy up to this political rising star, even considering handing him the governorship of East Tokyo.
Not only that, the Shinomiya family's influence has climbed even higher, teetering on the edge of becoming one of the top zaibatsu families. Everyone knows one of Gaio's women is the Shinomiya family's eldest daughter.
Sure, Tenko might've cursed up a storm after Gaio left, but his actions screamed one thing: cowardice. He's gone all out to champion anything and anyone tied to Gaio, constantly warning everyone not to cross him and to meet his every demand.
But this is exactly what's giving Gaio a headache. His other identity, Nero, is a mega-star in Neon's entertainment world. Invitations are pouring in, driving his manager, Yayoi Shinozuka, up the wall. Gaio's too laid-back—too much of a slacker—to take on many gigs.
He'd rather stay home, hanging out with his girls, taking them to school, picking them up, going shopping, or just having fun.
His phone's been blowing up so much he's had to keep it on silent and toss it in the living room.
---
Morning sunlight streamed into the Chen family mansion. Gaio was crouched on the picnic area's lawn, helping Kanna wind the string for her kite—a fancy gift sent over by Kaguya Shinomiya yesterday, way more elaborate than anything you'd find in stores.
Why anyone would think of flying kites in the middle of winter was beyond him, but Kanna loved it, so whatever. She was bouncing around, holding it up and declaring she'd fly the "shiniest kite ever."
"Gaio, loosen the string a bit!" Kanna tugged at his sleeve, her little face speckled with breadcrumbs from the sandwich she'd eaten at breakfast.
Tohru was squatting nearby, her tail wagging like a little flag, holding a giant butterfly kite. "Kanna's kite is all sparkly, but mine's a butterfly! Let's see whose flies higher!"
"Your butterfly's gonna get blown away, Tohru-nee!" Kanna tilted her head, her kite glinting in the sun. "Mine's the best!"
Gaio chuckled, finishing the string for her. As he stood, he spotted Fubuki coming out of the living room, phone in hand. "Tian-kun, Yukino sent a message. Her parents want to come by in person to thank you."
"No need for that," Gaio said, patting Kanna's head. "Tell Yukino to let her parents know they don't have to be so formal."
Fubuki smiled, nodded, and went to make the call.
Just then, Saber came down the steps, holding a cake plate, her cheeks puffed out from munching. "Master, Mr. Gojo asked if you want to swing by their school to hang out."
"Nope," Gaio said without turning, watching Kanna run with her kite. "Tell him to stop calling me. He blew up my phone yesterday with, like, a dozen calls and tons of Line messages. I had to turn it off."
Saber nodded but then added, "But Mr. Gojo said he got some tasty daifuku."
"…" Gaio shot her a look. "Altria, maybe put down that strawberry cake before you talk about more food?"
Saber glanced at the cake in her hands, then shook her head vigorously.
Just then, a car horn blared at the gate. Yayoi Shinozuka rushed in, arms full of folders. "Nero! Take a look at these!"
She dumped the folders on the stone table. "These are invites from the East Tokyo Dome and Zapporo Dome for you to hold concerts! Oh, and hit variety shows like Monday Night Never Ends and Chat 007 want you as a guest!"
Gaio strolled over, picked up a teacup, and took a sip. "Yayoi, I'm not taking those."
"But your fans are asking!" Yayoi stomped her foot in frustration. "You haven't shown up in public for almost a month! People are starting to say you've retired!"
"Retiring doesn't sound so bad," Gaio said, setting the cup down and glancing at Kanna and Tohru flying their kites. "I only got into showbiz to make money. I don't need to anymore."
Yayoi followed his gaze and sighed. "Fine, I'll turn them down. What about the Red and White Song Festival? NHK's been hounding us. We've rejected them for years—still a no?"
"Hmm, ask Marin and the others if they want to go," Gaio said with a nod. "If they're up for some fun, say yes."
Yayoi grabbed the folders, letting out a relieved breath. "Finally, you agreed to something. Marin and the others are already on board."
"Wow, you're really jumping the gun, huh?" Gaio said with a laugh, shaking his head. "Alright, try to schedule it early. It's New Year's, after all."
Yayoi nodded and hurried off. Getting Gaio to agree to one gig was a win, but she still had a pile of invites and endorsement deals to deal with.
"Gaio! My kite's flying!" Kanna shouted, pointing at the sky.
Gaio looked up. The kite soared in the blue sky, sparkling so brightly it was almost blinding.
Tohru pouted slightly. "Gaio, Kanna's kite is higher than mine!"
"That's 'cause Kanna's awesome," Gaio said with a grin.
"I'm the best!" Kanna declared, hands on her hips, chin raised. But her pose made the kite wobble wildly in the air, sending her and Tohru scrambling to steady it.
Gaio started to step forward to help, but a soft body hugged him from behind.
"Darling~~ Morning~~" 02's lazy voice came from over his shoulder.
Gaio quickly steadied her round frame to keep her from falling, but as soon as his hands touched her, he sighed. "02, we're at home, sure, but you still need to wear more. It's winter."
"Nope~ I'm not cold," 02 said, shaking her head against his back.
Gaio chuckled helplessly, setting her down and turning to see her in a pink dress. She tilted her head and snuggled into his chest, her nose tickling him. "Darling, this strap is so tight~"
"Where's it tight? Didn't we just buy it?" Gaio examined her dress closely. 02 stepped back, gesturing at her chest. "Here."
Gaio slapped his forehead. Okay, putting Yukino's clothes on 02 was a bad call.
"Alright, let's go shopping for new ones later. I'll have Saber grab something of hers for you to wear for now. We'll grab lunch out too," he said, ruffling 02's hair.
"Mhm!" 02 jumped back into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and planting a loud kiss on his lips.
"Master! We're eating out for lunch?" Saber's eyes widened.
"Yup. Got anything in mind, Saber?" Gaio asked.
Saber nodded eagerly. "I want barbecue!"
That got Tohru and Kanna, still messing with their kites, shouting, "Barbecue!" and "Kanna wants meat!"
Gaio laughed and nodded. "Alright, alright, barbecue it is. Marin and Kaguya aren't coming back for lunch, so let's change and head out, yeah?"
"Yay!" the girls cheered in unison.
"Wait, Kanna, your kite!" Fubuki called out, holding a folded coat as she came out of the house, spotting Kanna running toward the gate with her kite.
Kanna stopped, looking up at the kite, then at Gaio, her eyes sparkling. "Gaio, can I bring the kite?"
"Nope, no kites in a barbecue restaurant," Gaio said, crouching to help her wind the string back. "We'll fly it again when we get back, okay?"
"Okay~" Kanna quickly reeled in the kite, handed it to Fubuki, and bounced off to change her shoes like a little penguin.
Saber was already in casual clothes. "Master, I'm ready!"
"Saber, we still need to wait for everyone else. Did you use magic to change that fast?" Gaio teased. Did her powers level up whenever food was involved?
"Fine," Saber sighed, but her ahoge perked up. "Oh, I remember Kaguya made rice balls in the kitchen!"
And just like that, she was gone.
Gaio watched her vanish, while Fubuki took 02 to change into something more appropriate. At home, 02 could wear whatever, but going out in next to nothing wasn't an option.
Once the girls were off changing, Gaio headed to the garage, pulled out the car, and waited.
Soon, the girls piled in, 02 squeezing into the front passenger seat. Everyone buckled up.
Gaio glanced at them with a smile. "Ready to roll?"
"Go, go, go!" Saber cheered, raising her hand, practically vibrating with excitement for meat.
"Let's go!" Kanna clapped her hands.
Gaio eased the car out of the mansion, heading toward Akasaka.
---
While Gaio was living his carefree life, Satoru Gojo was scratching his head in frustration, staring at a document.
"Hey, Kusakabe, what's the deal with this file? I don't get it at all," Gojo whined.
Kusakabe sighed. "I don't know the details either, but I think we need to send someone to check it out."
Gojo groaned, then snapped his fingers. "Let's have Yuji and the others transfer to that high school! They're high schoolers, after all. They can investigate undercover as students."
Kusakabe nodded. "Good idea. Add Yuta and Maki too. If something goes wrong, they can make sure Yuji and the others get out safely."
"Exactly!" Gojo agreed enthusiastically, standing and stretching. "Ahh, work's done! Time to eat! Kusakabe, you handle the rest, yeah? See ya!"
Kusakabe opened his mouth to protest, but Gojo was already gone.
"Ugh…" Kusakabe sighed, looking at the spot where Gojo had vanished, then picked up the document Gojo had left on the table.
The title read: Investigation Report: Ouban Private Komaoh Academy.