Chapter 177: A hope for the future.

Upon seeing the bitter expressions on the young girls’ faces, Ryuko smiled with understanding, then began to speak in a serious tone, shifting her gaze between the insecure Momo and Nejire, who turned to look at her.

“I think one of the reasons Kai is so obsessed with strength is because, more than anyone, he’s aware of that fact and wants us to be happy. That’s why he trains so hard—so he can save us easily if things go wrong. For that same reason, he spends so much time in his workshop with Keiko, creating things for us. That’s his way of supporting us in our dreams, so we can be happy.

“Or do you think Kai never considered the possibility that we might get hurt? Just think about the abilities he’s created: an ability to reach anywhere faster than any airplane ever built, an ability that grants us an extra quirk, an ability that—if things go wrong—will create a secure barrier until he arrives, an ability that prevents us from being controlled, an ability that prevents us from being spied on…

“Each and every one of them is specially designed so we can pursue our dreams while staying safe, always within his reach so he can rush to our side if we’re in danger. And for that same reason, he trains himself to exhaustion every day, to make sure there’s nothing that can defeat him and, in turn, hurt us.”

While she spoke, Ryuko lowered her gaze and focused on her beloved’s sleeping face, which brought a small smile to her lips. After all, it was those details that made her fall hopelessly in love with him—seeing how he, without saying a single word about it, showed his infinite love for each member of the family, just like the husband she’d always dreamed of: strong, handsome, and loving. At that moment, in a calm, warm voice, she added.

“Therefore, girls, instead of embarking on a path full of pain and regret—which could even end up eroding your love for Kai—it’s better for you to focus on improving yourselves, to stay alert, to grow stronger, and ultimately to keep Kai from experiencing the same thing again while you all pursue your dreams. I’m absolutely convinced Kai will do the same.”

“…”

Ryuko’s words left the two beautiful young women completely silent. They looked at each other with complex expressions, then leaned against Kai’s shoulders, reflecting deeply on their future. But that reflection was abruptly cut short by Tomoko’s calm voice.

“Ryuko, Momo, Nejire, I want to have a child with Kai.”

Totally stunned, Ryuko, Momo, and Nejire turned to look at Tomoko, who was lying on the bed, resting her head on Kai’s right leg, her eyes closed and wearing an incredibly calm expression. That made the three women think they might have imagined it, so Ryuko couldn’t help asking nervously.

“T-Tomoko, did you say something?”

“Yes, I said I want to have a child with Kai.” Without even opening her eyes, Tomoko spoke calmly, prompting Momo to ask in all seriousness.

“What made you think about something like that, Tomoko-nee-chan?”

“This event made me realize that life is far too short and unpredictable. Who knows what could happen tomorrow? And someone as strong as Kai will never be able to stay at home peacefully the way he wants. It’s possible that in the future he’ll be involved in even more danger. So I want hope for the future. I want to have an heir, and it can’t be with anyone but Kai.

“So after this, I’ll talk to the others and share my wishes. If Kai agrees, I’ll have his child. But don’t worry, I won’t cause him any problems. I’ll retire as an active pro-hero and focus on the bureaucratic side so I can spend more time at home raising the child. And I don’t want to monopolize him or anything like that; I just want us all to remain together and happy as a family while I raise our child—the hope for the future.”

“…”

Without even bothering to move from her spot, Tomoko began speaking in a calm, mature tone—a world apart from her usual cheerful, energetic, and almost childlike attitude. It was quite shocking for the girls, who stared at her in complete surprise, speechless, until after a few moments, Ryuko sighed and spoke softly.

“Tomoko, actually, we’re already in a romantic relationship with Kai.”

“'We’re'…?”

When she heard Ryuko, Tomoko finally opened her eyes and turned to look at her, allowing her to see that both her golden-haired companion and Momo and Nejire had somewhat awkward smiles on their faces. At that moment, Ryuko answered quietly.

“Yes. Nemuri, Shino, Momo, Nejire, and I—some time ago, we decided to share Kai and take the next step in our relationship.”

“…How long ago?” Tomoko asked in a somewhat gloomy voice, making the girls’ expressions turn guilty. That was when Ryuko spoke in a voice full of remorse.

“Nemuri, Shino, and I have been in it for almost a year, since just before Kai’s birthday. Momo joined two weeks ago, and Nejire just a few days ago…”

“…”

In total silence, Tomoko looked each of the women in the eye, then let out a long sigh. She rested her head on Kai’s leg again, closed her eyes, and spoke softly.

“So that’s why you all looked so happy, why you managed to convince Kai to win the tournament…”

“I’m sorry… We didn’t know how to say it. After all, it’s something quite immoral. Then Momo and Nejire came in, and with Yumiko’s situation, we wanted to avoid any more complications, so we kept putting off a confession until things settled down a bit…” Ryuko said, obviously feeling guilty. Tomoko just sighed and then spoke softly.

“…Don’t worry. And although I can’t deny it’s a bit shocking, it’s not so unacceptable. We’ve all stayed single our entire lives, so we don’t know how to handle something like this. I understand… It’s just… I would have liked to know…”

“Sorry…” Ryuko apologized quietly and in embarrassment, at which point Momo looked at Tomoko and spoke in a serious tone.

“Tomoko-nee-chan, if you want, you can join us. I’m sure Kai won’t oppose it…”

“Yes, we can all have Kai’s children and have plenty of ‘hopes for the future’ growing up together as siblings in one big family. The house is big enough, and we can even buy a larger one in the countryside where no one would bother us.” Nejire quickly added in a serious voice, prompting Tomoko to say, after a few seconds of silence.

“…Let me think about it… Even though I never intended to monopolize Kai, this is a lot to take in…”

“We understand… But please don’t tell the others yet. We want to do it together after the fund is used to pay off Yumiko’s company debt…” Ryuko said, sounding a bit embarrassed. Tomoko could only smile gently, then spoke with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

“So you wanted to have us all ‘tied down’ so you could tell us… how sly…”

“We don’t want to be apart…” Momo added, likewise a bit embarrassed, and Tomoko responded softly.

“I know… and I love you girls, too… I just feel a little betrayed…”

“…I’m sorry…” Ryuko apologized again, embarrassed. Tomoko spoke in a calm tone.

“There’s no need to apologize so much. I might have done something similar in your place. I just need time to process it, and I’d like to talk with Kai a bit. But don’t worry, I won’t say anything…”

“Thank you…”

Ryuko murmured softly, then turned her gaze back to Kai’s sleeping face, while Momo and Nejire once more leaned on Kai’s shoulders, letting his warmth envelop them, filling them with peace and security.

…

…

…

By the time dawn began to break, and the doctor had left long before, in the mansion’s main hall, Nemuri, Shino, and Yumiko were hugging Eva tightly, all with tears streaming from their eyes. After all, the poor woman’s story was too much for them. Meanwhile, Keiko, Chatora, and All Might looked at one another with extremely troubled expressions.

Though they were also moved by such a harrowing story, they felt confused and a bit helpless since they couldn’t understand how they had gotten to that island. But they did understand that Eva and Kai had arrived there from very different places, and both had gone through a storm before reaching that location, which made the whereabouts of that strange island even more mysterious.

“…Don’t worry, Eva. Rest assured, we’ll help you with whatever you need. If you no longer have any reason to go back to Australia, you can stay in Japan. We can help you and Oliver with whatever you need.”

Yumiko said, tears in her eyes, her sincere feelings on full display. She was determined to help the unfortunate woman in front of her because what Eva had gone through was something no woman in the world should ever have to endure.

“Yes, actually Alisa—Kai’s mother—was also a native of Avalon and ended up here in Japan as a refugee. I’m sure she would lend you a helping hand without a second thought.” Nemuri added tearfully, seeing a reflection of her beloved friend and older sister in Eva.

“You also don’t have to worry about money. We’ll support you until you get past this difficult time. We won’t leave you on your own.”

Shino quickly added, her heart torn apart by Eva’s heartbreaking story—yet at the same time, she felt immense pride that her man was the one who had saved Eva from a fate worse than death. It completely erased any lingering dissatisfaction she might have felt about how injured her beloved was, though it still hurt; she believed he had done the right thing.

“…You don’t have to worry so much about me… Kai has already done more than enough, and though I truly have nothing in Australia, Oliver does. For better or worse, his grandparents are there, along with his friends, his school, and so on. Plus, as a photographer, I rely heavily on my contacts…” Eva said, wiping her tears away and feeling deeply moved by their support. At that moment, Yumiko spoke in a tone that was almost maternal.

“Well… that’s true, but don’t worry so much about your contacts. Here in Japan, we’re somewhat influential, you know? And even though there are a few problems at the moment, I’m still the owner and lead designer of ‘Ayanami Mode’, so I have a fair bit of influence in the entertainment world.”

“…I’ve heard of that company…” Eva remarked, clearly shocked as she looked at the smiling Yumiko, realizing yet again that she was now in a house full of big shots. She quickly composed herself and spoke with an awkward smile.

“And thank you very much, but I really specialize in landscape photography, documentary work, and drone usage, so I’ve never been very involved with celebrities.”

“Oh, I also have some connections at various universities, NGOs, and film and documentary production companies.” Yumiko replied with a calm smile, leaving Eva momentarily speechless. After a moment, feeling somewhat defeated, Eva said in a low voice.

“Thank you very much, then. I’ll keep it in mind, but I can’t really think about anything else until I have my child in my arms again.”

“Well, leaving that aside for a moment.” Keiko spoke in a serious tone as she turned to look at All Might, then continued.

“All Might, as we already mentioned, to avoid involving Kai, it’s better if you’re the one who saved them.”

“I understand. Even though it’s not entirely right, at this point I know it’s best to avoid complications. I’ll get in touch with some acquaintances so that you can arrange all the necessary paperwork for them to stay in the country.” All Might responded seriously as he rose from his seat. Then he added.

“But now that I know Kai-shonen is out of danger and everything’s settled here, I’m going to head out and take the lead on investigating that island. I won’t be able to rest until we find it.”

***

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