Leaving, descending, the timing was not right.

Kurama certainly knew that any gift the Count chose to bestow, especially to someone he “favored,” would never be an ordinary object. His initial reluctance to use it as a bargaining chip stemmed from a near-instinctive intuition. Yet he had never imagined that the gem—or rather, the entire necklace adorned with that largest gemstone—would be so extraordinary, so special that… it would evoke such a strong reaction from Yuuko.

He gazed, with a wry smile, at the crystal of demonic energy Yuuko had disdainfully snapped off and tossed before his eyes. His feelings were complicated, tinged with embarrassment. Still, embarrassment aside, after taking a deep breath, Kurama eagerly fused the crystal directly into his body.

As the surging power returned, the demon fox’s heart swelled with the joy of reclaiming what was lost. Two minutes later, he slowly opened his eyes. The world before him hadn’t changed drastically, but the restored demon energy sharpened his senses, making him acutely aware of the unfamiliar, rich energies drifting in the air—and Kurama felt exhilarated.

He turned to look at the brown-haired boy standing not far away, quietly watching him with obvious worry and reluctance. “Tsuna…”

Called by name, the boy pressed his lips together, forcing a smile that was anything but genuine. “I know. It’s time to say goodbye, isn’t it, Kurama?”

The demon fox nodded solemnly. “Though I truly wish I didn’t have to leave so soon…”

But once his journey began, it meant he could not pause—until he found that singular destination.

Striding forward, Kurama opened his arms and gave Tsuna a big, heartfelt embrace. “Don’t look so sad, Tsuna,” he said, patting the slender boy’s back. “This isn’t likely to be a forever farewell—my intuition tells me so.”

He released him, gazing at Tsuna’s bewildered yet hopeful face, caught between wanting to believe and fearing disappointment. Kurama smiled softly. “Mokona’s time-space jumps are undirected, so it’s possible we could return to the same world again. Though it’s no promise or guarantee, Tsuna, let’s both hope and wish with all our hearts. As long as I am traveling, surely… surely there will be a day we meet again.”

Tsuna nodded vigorously. “Even if you finish your journey, Kurama, I’ll keep wishing for that day.” He spoke quietly, but with a resolve that sounded like a promise.

Kurama smiled once more. “Yes, let’s agree on that.”

As his gentle, whispered words lingered, a vast circular magic formation appeared beneath Mokona, and white light erupted. Tsuna and Reborn instinctively closed their eyes against the brilliance. When they regained their vision…

The courtyard was empty, save for the two of them. No other soul remained.

Tsuna stood there, dazed, his ears still echoing Kurama’s last, tender whisper before departing—“Goodbye, Reborn, Tsuna.”

The boy remained motionless for a long time, until a barely audible reply escaped his throat: “Goodbye, Kurama.”

You… my most precious friend.

***

Kurama toyed with the gemstone the Count had given him.

Set in a rose-gold filigree, the gem was the size of a pigeon’s egg, radiating a mesmerizing, opulent hue. Its color nearly matched Kurama’s own eyes, and in the dim surroundings, it emitted a gentle, dazzling green light. The texture was like jade, yet not exactly, leaving even Kurama—well-versed in gems—unable to discern its material.

“So… what kind of gift did the Count really give me…?”

He carefully placed the gemstone back into the Devouring Grass’s space, the demon fox silently sighing.

He was now passing through the time-space corridor under Mokona’s protection. Last time, he’d spent the journey deep in thought, barely noticing his surroundings. This time, Kurama made a point to observe.

But after a while, he realized there was nothing particularly remarkable—the dark corridor was encircled by golden ring-like ripples, and beyond them lay an intimidating, shadowy void.

Time and space seemed frozen within the passage, even his breathing felt faint. Alone, the environment was eerily quiet—almost unsettling.

Out of boredom, Kurama took out the gemstone to play with it, but found himself once again pondering the Count’s intent and the gem’s true value…

His head began to ache from overthinking, the attempt at relaxation futile.

Shaking his head, Kurama resolved to stop dwelling on such matters.

—After all, he’d already left the world of the mafia tutors. Who knew when he would meet the Count again?

He had originally intended to bid the Count farewell before leaving; they’d gotten along well, their personalities matched, and with time they could become good friends.

But Yuuko’s reaction to the gift had been so intense that, after much deliberation, Kurama decided to depart without a word—his demonic energy was restored to two-tenths, and combined with the remnants, he was nearly at three-tenths of his peak.

Though he couldn’t yet fully transform into his demon fox form, he could manage the silver-haired state—though not for long, lest his energy be depleted.

He had wanted to show the Count his demon fox form, but after Yuuko’s shock…

What was the point? Better to leave and sort his thoughts before anything else.

Anyway, the Count seemed able to traverse different worlds; if fate allowed…

They would meet again.

Kurama half consoled, half convinced himself.

He closed his eyes, intending to rest for a moment, when suddenly a violent, unexpected tremor shook him—

Mokona, it seemed, had reached their destination?

***

Kurama was once again hurled from the time-space corridor.

Luckily, this time he landed not on the rooftop of some artificial structure, but in a vast, densely forested jungle, its environment pristine and untouched.

With nearly three-tenths of his demonic power restored, it served him perfectly. The forest was his domain; this time, he and Mokona landed smoothly and unharmed.

The white puffball reached out a tiny hand and patted Kurama’s cheek as a reward, earning a gentle rub in return.

After their playful laughter subsided, they turned their attention to the forest around them.

It appeared utterly untouched, with no sign of human presence. But with his experience from the world where he met Yuuko, Kurama didn’t jump to conclusions. He dispatched his most trusty reconnaissance assistant—the Demon Realm Dandelion—and chose a direction with a stream, cradling Mokona as he strolled leisurely.

Kurama loved forests.

In fact, unless he was desperate to learn his whereabouts, as in the previous world, he wouldn’t hurry to seek civilization.

With the supplies Tsuna had prepared for him in the Devouring Grass space, Kurama could live perfectly well alone in the wild. So he instinctively slowed his pace, not in any rush.

The dandelions had been out for some time, but none had reported signs of human activity or the forest’s edge.

Kurama grew more certain of his earlier judgment.

—This truly was a pristine, untouched jungle.

“How about we camp by the stream tonight? Tsuna packed us a super luxurious tent!” Kurama scooped up Mokona and nuzzled him, his tone light. “The moisture-proof pad is thick and soft and comfy, so we won’t get cold at night. I can even grill fish for you, Mokona! The kids also reported that there are many unfamiliar but tasty fruits and plants in this forest.”

Mokona cheered and rubbed against Kurama, “Wow~ wow~ Mokona wants grilled fish! And those fruits you gave me last time!”

Kurama fondly ruffled him. “Alright. You can have whatever you want.”

The two walked sweetly (?!), heading toward the stream. Kurama, still smiling, was discussing dinner plans with Mokona when, upon stepping onto the bank, he froze—

The moment his figure emerged from the trees, two overwhelming waves of killing intent locked onto him!

Kurama raised his guard, looking up to see, not far ahead in the stream, a naked red-haired man lifting his head, staring at him with undisguised murderous intent—and a strange, incongruous joy—in his gaze.

Beneath him, a beautiful man with glossy black hair and feline eyes, his clothes half undone, cheeks flushed attractively, yet his eyes were clear and brimming with killing intent as he too fixed his gaze on Kurama.

“…=口=”

—The demon fox was speechless.

What… what kind of situation was this? Could someone please explain?!

Author’s Note: Ahem. So the “wrong timing” actually referred to this situation… [looks up at the sky]

And I’m sure you’ve all guessed who these two are, XD. Why Kurama encountered them like this will be explained next chapter, but I think this scene alone is enough for everyone to enjoy ●▽●

As for the gemstone the Count gave Kurama… yes, it’s a very important plot item. Yuuko’s reaction was tied to its unique properties, which will soon be revealed, so don’t worry!

Next, this chapter’s illustration—it's been a while since I posted a picture of our protagonist, so here’s a beautiful image of Kurama, XD. Actually, the cover I’m using now is the “white version” my friend made for me; there’s also a “red version” based on this image, XD. I wanted to use both on the profile, but when I tried, the layout looked weird, so I had to reluctantly choose just one ┭┮﹏┭┮ The red version is gorgeous too, rolling around.

And as always, next chapter preview: Pervert x Demon Fox x Fight? Are the two Kurama encountered really engaging in something everyone loves to witness? After Kurama interrupts, they propose compensation—a fight? Is battle truly inevitable, and when will Kurama guess their identities? Stay tuned for the next chapter, “Demon Fox Kurama,” Pervert x Demon Fox x Fight!

Finally, rolling around once more to ask for favorites—my friend teased me for “not being cute at all,” so I’ll puff my cheeks.

← Column portal, please click “favorite this author,” pounce and snuggle everyone =3=