29 Decision X Accident X The Count’s Gem

"Jin, I've made up my mind."

On the night marking nearly a week since Kurama and Jin first met, the two of them, along with Mokona, sat around the campfire enjoying a rare moment of leisure—at least for Jin, who relished these peaceful evenings. Kurama and Mokona, on the other hand, though they had to accompany Jin closely, felt perfectly at home thanks to Kurama's absolute advantage in the forest, his own domain. As they dined, Kurama suddenly spoke up, dropping a bombshell without warning.

The immediate result was that Jin choked on a mouthful of roast meat, struggling for a long time before finally escaping death's grasp with watery eyes.

"So, what's your decision?"

Ignoring his own image, Jin stared anxiously at Kurama, his nervousness plain as day. His sincerity, in such moments, was almost endearing.

Kurama shook his head, forcing himself to dispel the overlapping image of his old friend Yusuke from his mind as he looked at Jin.

"I accept your proposal."

He announced his decision with calm composure, and as he watched Jin clench his fists and wave them excitedly, his worries and anxiety seemed to lighten, too.

—So this is the innate healing power of the natural type, Kurama thought, half nostalgic, half melancholy.

Of course, Kurama's agreement wasn’t simply because Jin reminded him too much of Yusuke, nor because he couldn't withstand Jin's persistent persuasion. His decision was the result of careful consideration and many secret discussions with Mokona.

Kurama was indeed concerned that his inability to open his aura would attract unwanted attention. But in this isolated, dangerous jungle—where perhaps only he and Jin were the only humans—if he failed, who else besides Jin would notice?

Not to mention, Kurama believed that Jin, so similar in essence to Yusuke and already acknowledging their budding "friendship," was unlikely to betray him. Even if Jin did develop ill intentions because of Kurama's abnormality, would Kurama simply surrender? Jin might be one of the world's top powerhouses, but in this forest, Kurama's home turf, the fox spirit knew he could easily escape.

And if he managed to escape...

No matter how powerful the Hunter Association was, Kurama was confident he could evade any pursuit and hide from all eyes—he wasn’t just skilled and intelligent; the infamous thief had once toyed with the upper echelons of the demon and spirit worlds, leaving them furious and helpless countless times.

He had plenty of other tricks, too.

Understanding this made Kurama's decision less difficult. Though unease and anxiety lingered, the tangled hesitations had faded—once he decided, Kurama never looked back.

Seeing this seriousness and resolve in Kurama’s eyes, Jin dropped his cheerful smile for a more solemn expression.

"So... you’re truly ready."

Kurama shot him a sideways glance. "Would I joke about something like this?"

Uncle, you really underestimate him. Do you think everyone is as careless as you, acting purely on 'intuition' without thinking?

Jin pouted sheepishly. "I swear, you’re not cute at all, kid!"

He reached over, ignoring Kurama’s threatening look, to ruffle his hair.

—It seemed, with time, this Hunter world boss whom Kurama likened to Yusuke had naturally picked up the very skills Yusuke used to deal with Kurama.

The fox spirit dodged Jin’s hand, annoyed.

"So, when do we start?"

Now that he’d agreed, Kurama wanted to begin as soon as possible—once it was confirmed he couldn’t open his aura, his time to gather resources would be limited.

Compared to the world of Home Tutor, the energy particles in this world’s air were abnormally dense! Although Mokona had spent a lot of energy to bring him here, the recovery rate was equally impressive—according to the little creature, it would take less than half a year to gather enough energy to leave.

This made Kurama hesitate again—if Mokona could recharge so quickly, should he leave or stay to keep searching? The abundance of resources in this world was enough to make even him envious; if he missed out...

He’d surely regret it.

So Kurama decided to wait and see how the aura opening went. If he succeeded... then, the rare items Jin promised from G.I., the other six beauties among the Seven Great Colors, the treasures buried in ancient ruins, and even objects formed from the solidified aura of special-type users...

These were not only things that would tempt Yuuko, but even Kurama himself felt the urge to collect them—there were just too many!

The thief’s blood in his veins stirred, and Kurama had to close his eyes to suppress the surge.

Noticing Kurama’s rare excitement, Jin paused for a moment before laughing heartily.

"What’s this? You were so hesitant before, but now you’re eager?"

Kurama was about to glare at him, so Jin quickly stopped—one joke was enough.

"Alright, don’t be so impatient, kid. It’s nighttime now, when the body’s life energy is most sluggish and slow. Trying to open your aura now not only lowers the success rate but increases the danger. Let’s wait until tomorrow morning."

"Don’t worry, with me helping, even if you fail, you won’t be in any danger."

"But..." Jin paused, then flashed a mischievous smile. "Do you think you’ll fail, Kurama? Besides my own kid, you’re the most talented person I’ve seen in years."

"...Should I thank you for the compliment?"

The fox spirit was helpless. That wasn’t a compliment—it was bragging about his own son!

After a few days together, Kurama realized Jin was definitely a type of doting father.

He clearly avoided meeting Gon, trying all sorts of ways to escape his pursuit, yet behind his back, he always referred to Gon as "my kid," and every time he mentioned him, his expression was no different from any loving father.

So this guy... really deserved a punch, didn’t he?

Watching Jin strut off toward the other tent, generously provided by Kurama, the fox spirit’s brow twitched, but he simply picked up Mokona and returned to his tent.

Forget it. No use worrying about such trivial things. Tomorrow... would be a tough battle.

***

The next morning, Kurama was awakened by the crisp birdsong in the woods after a restful night.

Before bed, Mokona had shown unprecedented anxiety about Kurama's upcoming aura opening. Though the decision had been made together, as the moment to act arrived, the little creature panicked, even suggesting they contact Yuuko for advice.

Kurama turned his head, smiling tenderly at the little one curled up by his cheek, still sleeping soundly.

He appreciated Mokona’s concern, but contacting Yuuko—something that might expose his origins and secrets before Jin—was out of the question.

Otherwise, he would’ve done it already; why wait until now?

After all, regardless of how similar Jin was to Yusuke, Kurama still saw him as a potential threat.

He was happy to be friends, but to trust Jin as deeply as he did Tsuna? Sorry, Kurama trusted Jin even less than Reborn.

Reborn was clever; even knowing earth-shattering secrets, he wouldn’t covet them.

Jin, however...

Perhaps he wouldn’t covet, but this scatterbrain would surely bring endless trouble for Kurama through sheer curiosity.

This had already been fully proven with Yusuke.

The past was best left unremembered. Kurama shook his head quietly.

It wasn’t just about trust—it was mainly Jin’s own scatterbrained tendencies.

He gently rubbed Mokona’s soft belly, waking the little one. As Mokona rolled around, demanding this fruit and that as breakfast, Kurama smiled and refused each request—because eating only fruit for breakfast was unhealthy.

The white dumpling kept rolling. "Mokona is Mokona! Not human, so no worries about stomach health!"

Kurama kept smiling, "I said no, so no. Don’t be naughty, Mokona. Be good, and I’ll make caramel glass fruit for you at lunch."

"Wow! Caramel glass fruit!"

—Indeed, this little one was the most thoughtful and adorable.

Kurama knew Mokona’s antics were meant to comfort him, a unique way to help him relax. Cradling the white dumpling, Kurama stepped outside the tent with a smile.

***

Breakfast was once again hearty but not extravagant, carefully balanced for nutrition.

Jin had praised Kurama many times for this—so housewifely! Perfect marriage material!

And was promptly beaten up by the angry fox spirit.

Jin learned his lesson: eat more, talk less. When Kurama was in a good mood, lunch and dinner menus were richer!

Swallowing the last bite with satisfaction, Jin pondered the possibility of marrying Kurama off as his daughter-in-law—too old, perhaps, but strong, skilled in cooking, good-looking, gentle when normal, and a perfect match for his Gon!

The uncle nodded in satisfaction, while Kurama, already used to Jin’s occasional nonsense, wore a helpless expression.

Thankfully, Jin remembered the task at hand. Watching Kurama pack everything into his magical backpack (actually a cover for his space plant), Jin grew serious and led him deeper into the jungle.

"If you want to open your aura, it’s best to choose a place full of life energy. It helps your chances."

He explained as he watched Mokona hide safely at a distance, then turned, placing his hand on Kurama’s back.

"Are you ready?"

The fox spirit nodded silently.

Jin’s expression grew even more careful.

"Then I’ll begin." He spoke gravely. In the next instant, a vast force exploded from his palm, pouring straight into Kurama’s body!

Kurama felt Jin's aura as it surged, but the power that should have forced his energy points open, causing his life energy to burst forth, vanished once inside Kurama.

Jin noticed the anomaly, but didn’t stop, continuing to send his aura in.

...

After nearly half an hour, even a master like Jin was pale from the intense aura output, his energy becoming unstable. Kurama sighed softly, about to urge Jin to stop, when suddenly, the space plant, without Kurama’s summons, automatically opened a portal. A familiar green gemstone shot out, as if possessed, and flew straight toward Kurama’s chest!

The fox spirit watched in shock as the gem, a gift from the Earl, attached itself to his body. In the next second...

A tremendous, pure surge of life energy erupted from him!

Author’s note: Second update, thank you again for your support =3=