Sumire’s Explanation

Hub World, Earth, Japan, Tokyo. 

The morning after Tatsuo returned home from the Arifureta Universe, Tatsuo dragged himself out of bed when his alarm went off. Then, he got himself ready for school before having breakfast with Sumire, Mai, Kasumi, and Tio. After that, he and Kasumi left for school while Sumire and Mai were tasked with teaching Tio about the world she was living in. 

"Tatsuo-Kun, are you okay?" Kasumi asked in a somewhat worried tone while she and Tatsuo rode the elevator down to the apartment building's ground floor. 

"Yeah, I'll be fine." Tatsuo replied. "I'm just a little tired after the trip to the other world and the long conversation." 

"I can understand that." Kasumi said while nodding her head. "You should take it easy at school today. You don't wanna wear yourself out." 

"Thanks, I think I will." Tatsuo replied with a nod of his own. 

At that moment, the elevator chimed, signaling that it had reached its destination, and the door would be opening soon. And when the door finally opened, Tatsuo and Kasumi saw Emi running out of the apartment's front door. 

"Looks like Yusa-San is running late again." Kasumi said with a smile. 

"I just hope she's not late." Tatsuo replied. 

With that, Tatsuo and Kasumi also left the apartment, chatting as they walked through the streets before eventually splitting up to go to their own schools. 

Eventually, Tatsuo reached his middle school. Then, after changing his shoes, he headed to his classroom. And just as he expected, when he walked inside and looked towards his desk, he saw Yakumo sitting in the seat in front of his and reading a textbook. 

Meanwhile, Yakumo, after hearing the sound of the door, looked up to see who had entered. And when she saw Tatsuo, she nodded in his direction. Then, she waited for him to get close, as she was never one for raising her voice. 

"Good morning, Tatsuo-Kun." Yakumo said as Tatsuo placed his school bag on his desk. "How are you feeling? You look pretty tired." 

"Don't worry about me." Tatsuo said with a smile. "I'm just a little tired. Stayed up late talking to my mom and a new house guest last night." 

"Oh, I see." Yakumo said while nodding her head in understanding. "Just don't overdo it, okay? You don't wanna get sick or something." 

"Don't worry, I'll be careful." Tatsuo said while smiling reassuringly. 

Yakumo then nodded her head before returning to reading her textbook. Meanwhile, Tatsuo leaned back in his seat and opened the [Dimensional Chat] in his mind. 

{[Dimensional Chat] 

Lici: So, we'll be going to Sumire's world in two days, right? 

Sumire: that's right 

Sumire: That's the day when Hwaya-Neesan is going to the United States with Shin-San 

Alfonzo: I just hope this trip doesn't last too long 

Alfonzo: I still need to get back to work in the Village Hidden in the Leaves 

James: We'll only be fighting wyverns 

James: They're not even real dragons 

James: There's nothing to worry about 

Personal Ninja: What? 

Personal Ninja: wyverns 

Personal Ninja: Those are high level monsters 

Alfonzo: Sounds like someone is mixing up reality with video games 

Personal Ninja: ... 

Lici: Fonzie, stop teasing her 

Lici: She seems like she's from a normal world 

Alfonzo: Sorry, sorry 

Alfonzo: But seriously 

Alfonzo: That's gonna have to change 

Alfonzo: We need her to be able to at least protect herself in case we're all ever required to go on a mission together. 

Personal Ninja: Actually, I've been looking into that 

Personal Ninja: there are so many things in the shop that could help me protect myself better 

Personal Ninja: But I don't know what to pick 

Tatsuo (Admin): How about Chakra Proficiency? 

Tatsuo (Admin): Based on your name, it suits you 

Personal Ninja: I was actually thinking about that 

Personal Ninja: The power of ninjas sounds pretty cool 

Personal Ninja: But I don't have enough points for it 

Personal Ninja: Besides with Novasphere Pioneers coming out soon I probably won't have any time to practice, either. 

James: Just borrow some from Tatsuo 

James: He's got hundreds of thousands of them 

Aletia: Really? 

Aletia: Let me borrow some, Tatsuo 

Aletia: I'll pay you back with my body 🫦 

Sumire: Stop it, Aletia-San 

James: Man, she's really got it bad, huh? 

Personal Ninja: Pervert 

Tatsuo (Admin): Can't even deny that 

Tatsuo (Admin): She's a perverted vampire princess 

Personal Ninja: I still can't believe it 

Personal Ninja: Not all of you are even human 

Personal Ninja: A vampire, a half-devil, and a half-dragon 

Personal Ninja: This feels like I'm in some kind of anime world} 

At that moment, Tatsuo, James, Alfonzo, and Elicia all had the same thought. 

'That's probably closer to the truth than you could ever imagine.' 

However, just at that moment, Tatsuo's focus was pulled away from the chat when the door opened and Chiho walked in. 

"Yakumo-Chan! Tatsuo-Kun! Good morning!" Chiho said in her always upbeat personality. "How are you two today?" 

"Good morning, Chi-Chan." Yakumo said calmly with little inflection in her tone. 

"Hey, Chi-Chan." Tatsuo said with a smile. "Good morning. We should all go to Yukihira today after school." 

Immediately, both Yakumo and Chiho began blushing fiercely. Then, they both turned glares in Tatsuo's direction, causing him to laugh uproariously. And the fact that Tatsuo's laugh was so uninhibited, when he was usually quite subdued in his emotional responses, made both of them look at him in surprise. 

"Say, Tatsuo-Kun." Chiho said in an unsure tone when she arrived near Tatsuo's and Yakumo's desks. "You seem a little different than usual. Is everything okay?" 

Tatsuo looked at Chiho with confusion. Although he had realized that something had changed about him, he had no idea what it was. Especially since his emotions had been returning slowly ever since he awakened his [Energy]. But he did not really notice how open he was with his emotions after awakening his dragon bloodline since it had been gradually over the many months spent in Tortus. 

However, to Yakumo and Chiho, it seemed as if he had changed overnight. And since the time was frozen while Tatsuo was away, that was actually true for them. 

"Really?" Tatsuo asked while tilting his head in confusion, causing many of the girls in the classroom to shriek excitedly at the cute expression on his face. "Is it bad?" 

"No... I wouldn't say it's bad." Chiho said, still sounding unsure. "You just seem... happier?" 

"Then, that's a good thing." Tatsuo replied with a smile that made the girls squeal again. 

However, before the conversation could continue, the homeroom teacher stepped through the doors. The, the bell rang, signaling that the class would start momentarily. As a result, Chiho rushed back to her seat as to not be scolded by the teacher. 

After that, the rest of the day went on without issue. Tatsuo pretended to pay attention during class while chatting with the members of the [Dimensional Chat]. He talked to Yakumo and Chiho during the breaks. He ate lunch with Yakumo while Chiho had lunch with her other friends. Then, he went home after the last bell. 

"I'm back!" Tatsuo shouted after stepping out of the elevator into his apartment. 

"Welcome home, Tatsu-Chan!" Sumire shouted back. "After you've taken a shower and changed clothes, come to the living room. We need to talk." 

"Got it." Tatsuo replied while moving towards his bedroom. 

About half an hour later, after taking a quick shower and putting on some clothes suitable for training, Tatsuo made his way into the living room. When he did, he saw his mother, Mai, Kasumi, still in her school uniform, and Tio seated and waiting for him. 

"Tatsu-Kun, sit here." Mai said while patting the couch cushion right next to her. 

Shrugging his shoulders, Tatsuo took the offered seat, which made Mai squeal happily. Then, he looked at his mother. 

"So, what did you wanna talk about, Mom?" Tatsuo asked. 

"Abot the thing that you probably wanted to ask me about last night." Sumire replied with a slightly embarrassed smile. "But I was so curious to know how your trip to another world went that I didn't really give you a chance to ask." 

Hearing that, Tatsuo nodded his head. 

"Yeah, I had a few things I needed to ask you about." Tatsuo replied while nodding his head. Then, after receiving a solemn nod from his mother, he continued. "First, can you call my school and get me a few days off in two days?" 

"Hmm... That shouldn't be a problem." Sumire replied. "But why? What do you need time off for?" 

Tatsuo then went on to explain that he needed to go to another world to help with a Wyvern infestation. And because it was not his first time going to that world, time would not stop here while he was away. 

"I see." Sumire said, nodding her head in understanding. "Well, I don't see why not." 

"Oh, you're talking about the thing in Sumire's world, right?" Tio asked, genuinely interested in the event. "I was curious to see her world, too. Do you think I could come with you?" 

Immediately, Tatsuo face palmed. And the reason was because his mother's eyes lit up in excitement after hearing that he was going to help a girl with the same name as her own. Meanwhile, Mai looked as if steam would shoot from the top of her head as if she were using Juvia Lockser's [Sierra] technique. 

'God it damn.' Tatsuo thought to himself. 'She did it again. But at least this one wasn't on purpose... Never mind, it was.' 

As Tatsuo thought to himself, he glanced at Tio. And he saw her sneaking glances at him, as well. And from the glint of anticipation in her eyes, he could tell what she was expecting. 

"Alright, cool. Now, onto the more serious topic I wanted to ask you about." Tatsuo said quickly, trying to take the attention off the fact that he was going to see a girl, Sumire, in the ICDS Universe. He then raised his right hand and continued. "So, what's up with this?" 

In the next instant, midnight purple dragon scales started protruding from Tatsuo's skin, covering his entire hand. Then, pitch black claws grew from his fingertips. 

Seeing that, Mai and Kasumi gasped. Meanwhile, Sumire and Tio were completely unsurprised. Even so, Tatsuo's display was enough to make everyone forget about the last topic. Though, Tio did look a little disappointed that she would not be punished for her transgressions. 

"Are those... dragon scales?" Kasumi asked, completely unable to tear her gaze away. 

"Yes." Sumire replied solemnly. 

"So pretty." Mai said while drawing her face close to Tatsuo's hand. "They're the same color as Tatsu-Kun's hair." 

Just then, Kasumi finally noticed that Tatsuo's hair color had changed. When she saw Tatsuo before last night's commotion, she remembered his hair being black with a purple tint. But now that she looked closely, his hair was completely midnight purple. 

"Ah... Your hair..." Kasumi said in a surprised tone. 

"Oh, yeah... This..." Tatsuo said, letting his scales sink back into his skin before grabbing his ponytail. "It kinda happened after these scales grew out for the first time." 

"And I would assume that Lady Sumire is aware of what this all means, correct?" Tio asked in a curious tone. 

"*Sigh* that's right.' Sumire said. 

Sumire then looked around those present, briefly making eye contact with them all. Then, she turned back to Tatsuo and stared into his eyes. 

"This is something that I never told anyone." Sumire said. "I'm not actually from this world. In fact, if I were, I probably would have never gained the ability to traverse worlds. No, that's something that came from the universe I was born in." 

"Huh?" x 3 

While Tatsuo, Mai, and Kasumi were completely dumbfounded by that information., Tio only continue to listen with interest. 

"You see, I'm not even human." Sumire continued. "I just look like humans in this form." 

"Then, does that mean you're like me?" Tio asked, her eyes lighting up. "A dragonman." 

"Not exactly." Sumire replied. "I'm from a race that can shift between a dragon and human form. But we're not dragonmen. On top of that, I'm the only one in existence now." 

Hearing that, the atmosphere grew solemn in an instant. 

'And that's the way you misdirect someone.' Sumire thought to herself. 'Everything I'm telling them is the truth. Just not the whole truth. I don't think any of them are ready to know exactly what I am... Not yet.' 

"I was sent to this universe slightly after I was born." Sumire continued. "You see, the universe I was born in no longer exists. The whole thing was completely destroyed. However, to save me, I was sent into a dimensional breech. And well, this is where I ended up." 

And all that was true. However, Sumire was the actual reason for the universe's destruction. You see, when the Void Empress chose a universe for her avatar to be born, she chose one that was extremely rich in [Energy]. 

The problem with that was the amount of [Energy] a part of the Void Empress soul would need during birth. Meaning, the avatar caused the universe to collapse on itself, all so that she would have enough energy to make a connection with her main body. Then, just before the universe was destroyed, the Void Empress opened a path to the world they were in now and sent her avatar through it. 

"And shortly after I appeared here, I was found by Victor Donavan." Sumire said serenely. "And like he did with Tatsu-Chan, he ran all sorts of experiments on me to see what I was. And when that didn't work, he tried cloning me, which also didn't work. After that, he tried keeping me drugged. But that failed, as well. So, I'm sure he was not surprised when I eventually left DOATEC's assassination branch." 

"Wait... So, you're an alien?" Tatsuo asked while holding up his hands. "Does that mean I'm a half-alien?" 

"Well, for all intents and purposes... Yes." Sumire replied with a nod. She then smiled dotingly as she continued. "But you're just the cutest half-alien I've ever seen. Ooh~~~~~! My Tatsu-Chan is the cutest!" 

Tatsuo could only sigh in exasperation after hearing his mother's squeal while watching Mai nod her head emphatically. Meanwhile, Kasumi looked as if she were considering other things. Tio, on the other hand, was looking at Tatsuo as if she had just found the father of her children. 

"*Cough* Anyway, let's get back to the explanation." Sumire said after seeing Tatsuo's annoyed gaze. 

"Actually, I have a question, Sumire-Sama." Kasumi said, drawing attention to herself. 

"Go on, Kasumi-Chan." Sumire replied with a wide smile. 

"Yes." Kasumi said, organizing her words in her head for a moment before continuing. "Is that why you're so... Hmm... What's the word? Insistent... Yes, that's the one. Is that why you're so insistent on Tatsuo maintaining his virginity until he's sixteen? Because from what I know about you, you don't actually care all that much about the legal system. I mean, you were an assassin, after all." 

Immediately, Mai's cheerful demeanor was gone upon hearing Kasumi's question. She then stared at Sumire with the most serious expression anyone in the room had ever seen on her face. Tio, on the other hand, was looking at Sumire curiously. 

'*Sigh* I know Kasumi-Nee didn't mean anything by it.' Tatsuo thought to himself. 'I mean, I don't think she sees me like that. Not that I would be complaining if she did---' 

Tatsuo's thoughts ground to a halt after his thoughts reached that far. 

'Just what am I thinking?' Tatsuo thought to himself. 'Am I lusting over my own sister? But wait... She's not related by blood. So, it should be okay, right? No! What am I thinking? But I really don't like the thought of her being with someone else, either. Argh!' 

Meanwhile, Sumire was thinking something totally different as she narrowed her eyes slightly at Kasumi. 

'Kasumi was always the smart one.' Sumire thought to herself. 'Although I can't say she saw through my main body's plan, she saw through to its essence.' 

"That's right, Kasumi-Chan." Sumire replied with a nod. "If Tatsuo weren't half human, it wouldn't be an issue. But with his half human bloodline, his essence won't be stable until he's sixteen." 

"I see." Kasumi replied. "That makes sense, then." 

Sumire nodded at Kasumi. Then, she turned her gaze to Mai then Tio, and finally, Tatsuo. And while Mai wore an expression filled with understanding like Kasumi, Tatsuo, who, for a moment, looked like he was going through an existential crisis, and Tio, as soon as they heard her explanation, narrowed their eyes at Sumire. 

'*Sigh* And so is Tatsu-Chan.' Sumire said to herself. 'Tio-Chan isn't bad, either. She'll just take some getting used to with her preferences. But both of them saw through my explanation instantly. And I'm sure Kasumi-Chan will figure it out, too. But she's just not used to the concept of time freezing when Tatsu-Chan is on missions. *Sigh* I'm not ready to go into that lengthy explanation right now. But I guess I gotta.' 

"I know what the two of you are thinking, Tatsu-Chan, Tio-Chan." Sumire said while shaking her head with an exasperated smile on her face. "If sixteen is all that is needed, Tatsu-Chan has already spent more than a year in other worlds, right? Meaning, he should be over sixteen already." 

In response, Tatsuo and Tio nodded their heads. Meanwhile, Kasumi looked as if she had just realized that fact. Then, she started to contemplate the situation. At the same time, Mai's eyes lit up as she turned to look at Tatsuo like she just found prey. 

"Down, Mai-Chan." Sumire said, knowing exactly what was going through her assistant's mind. "Let me explain first." 

Sumire then took a deep breath before continuing. 

"Once again, it's because of your human half, Tatsu-Chan." Sumire continued. "Since you gained your ability to travel to different worlds, you've left twice. But for the first time you head to another world, your birth world, this one, freezes, correct?" 

Tatsuo nodded in response. Meanwhile, Mai and Kasumi looked at him with surprised expressions. 

"And when I come back, no matter how long I've been gone, my body reverts to how it was when I left while retraining any gains I received in the other world." Tatsuo said. "And damn... does that hurt like nothing I've ever experienced before." 

"Is that why that woman was comforting Tatsu-Kun when I found them last night?" Mai asked curiously. 

"Exactly." Tio replied. "I caught Mast--- Tatsuo before he could fall from exhaustion back then." 

To that, Mai's expression turned complicated. Though she did not like the thought of another woman being around Tatsuo, the fact that Tio helped him made her grateful that she stopped him from being hurt. 

"Right." Sumire said with a nod. "And the reason for that is simple. Although your body is strong, it's not strong enough to handle your essence being drained at the moment. At least not without causing permanent damage. Though, there is always a chance that could change if you grow enough on a trip to another world." 

"I see." Tatsuo said, not sure if the explanation was the complete truth. "Well, that makes more sense than Mom carrying about age of consent laws. Especially since she said she was willing to change the laws of Japan if I wanted a harem in the future." 

"Exactly." Sumire replied, holding back a chuckle at the horrified expression on Mai's face. A moment later, however, she glared at Tatsuo with an extremely stern expression. "But that doesn't mean you can start going after little girls. No son of mine is going to be a pedophile. Do I make myself clear?" 

Tatsuo looked genuinely insulted by that question. Then, in annoyance, he stood up and started walking towards his room. 

"Are you seriously asking me that, Mom?" Tatsuo asked while continuing to walk. "Soramoto Tatsuo is not, and never will be, a pedophile. Just who the hell do you think I am?" 

And with those words, Tatsuo disappeared around the corner, leaving the four women just watching after him while Sumire smiled and nodded in approval. 

"Legal Lolis are fine, though!" Sumire shouted after her son. "Just make sure to check before you make your move, okay, Sweetie?" 

*Bang!* 

The four women then heard the sound of Tatsuo tripping over his feet and slamming face first into the floor out of sheer shock.