Getting Along × Seeing Through × Proposal

Kurama suddenly shivered.

The midsummer night was nothing close to cool, but nestled deep within the forest, with a small lake not far off, it was not unusual for an occasional breeze to bring a refreshing chill. Still, he knew the sensation he’d just felt had nothing to do with the night air.

“Hah, looks like the so-called ‘brain of the Spider’ has managed to break free?” There was no evidence, but Kurama’s instincts insisted it was so.

He cradled Mokona, who was happily nibbling on a delicious fruit from the Demon Realm, and was just about to mention his suspicion when a sudden, loud gulping interrupted him.

Kurama looked up, black lines of exasperation marring his face as he watched the black-haired man across from him down an entire jug of beer in one go, a broad, satisfied grin spreading across his features.

“Ahh—nothing beats beer in the summer!”

Beaming, the man immediately started devouring a hunk of roasted meat, shoving piece after piece into his mouth.

The worst part was, not only was his companion in high spirits, but even Mokona, somehow, had procured a glass of iced beer and was cheerfully clinking it in midair with the man’s, as if the two were perfectly in sync.

“You’ve got that right, Enchanting Summoner! Beer is meant for summer!”

The little white ball declared in his soft, sugary-sweet voice, his tone comically “serious.”

Kurama nearly squeezed his chubby cheeks to bursting.

This was treason! Mokona, have you forgotten that this fellow was still fighting us just moments ago?

He knew his own little companion was endlessly charming and possessed a wisdom and openness that even the most carefree adults rarely attained. Yet each time he witnessed Mokona’s sociable nature, Kurama couldn’t help but be amazed.

But even more astonishing than Mokona was—

Kurama looked again at the black-haired youth across from him, who was happily eating meat and drinking beer.

Yes, youth.

Though Kurama was well aware that this man was the father of a ten-year-old, the years had left almost no trace upon his face. Life outdoors had rendered him a bit unkempt—his clothes were ragged to the point of being almost pitiful—but his handsome features, adorned with nothing more than a bit of stubble rather than a full beard, looked barely twenty.

Yes, this man was none other than the pivotal figure whose actions set the entire story of the Hunters in motion: Ging Freecss.

Kurama’s eye twitched despite himself. He had to admit, his feelings toward this man were… complicated.

Never mind how their relationship had shifted from fierce combat to this strangely amicable—almost convivial—exchange; it was that familiar yet unfamiliar face that troubled Kurama most. Could he complain that the author was too lazy? Ging bore an uncanny resemblance to Yusuke Urameshi, his old comrade to whom he owed his life.

Despite knowing the two were distinct in his mind, it still affected his attitude, making him unconsciously go easy on Ging during their earlier fight. As a result, Ging seized the opportunity, effortlessly turning the tide and suppressing Kurama’s offense.

Kurama hadn’t lost, but having initiated the fight only to see it end in a relatively peaceful, friendly manner—more of a sparring match than a true battle—left the fox demon somewhat disgruntled.

That emotion showed in his gaze.

As for Ging—

He might have seemed careless and simple-minded, but his approach to life and people was far more shrewd and mature than Yusuke, despite their apparent similarities.

“All right, I’ve already apologized. How long are you going to stay mad, kid?”

The black-haired man downed another large cup of beer and, facing Kurama’s displeased expression, let out a hearty laugh.

“You really do smell like a magical beast, you know. And magical beasts can take human form. Honestly, I find you all cuter than most humans. I definitely prefer your kind over a lot of people… Okay, okay, I won’t say it! You’re definitely human, all right?”

As if placating a sulky child, Ging raised both hands in surrender under Kurama’s smoldering glare. Turning away, he muttered—none too quietly—

“What an unlovable kid.”

Kurama nearly lost his temper.

But what could he do? He was simply powerless against people like this.

Yusuke was one, and though Ging was more seasoned and composed, he was essentially of the same type. Kurama found himself equally helpless—fighting accomplished nothing, talking was pointless, so what else could he do?

It was truly a case of the scholar meeting the soldier: words were futile.

The fox demon slumped in defeat.

At least, this time Ging had the sense not to provoke him further.

Sated, the black-haired man sprawled contentedly on the ground, a lollipop—courtesy of Mokona—sticking out of his mouth.

“You know, kid, this forest is dangerous. You must have heard.”

Ging gazed up at the stars for a while before suddenly speaking.

He sat up, his expression uncharacteristically serious and earnest.

“You’ve come this far in, and you’re carrying enough supplies to suggest you intend to stay. Are you a Hunter? Or just here… treasure hunting?”

In that moment, his eyes were sharp and focused, never leaving Kurama’s face, as if reading every subtle shift in his expression.

The fox demon felt an inexplicable pressure.

But soon, he smiled serenely.

“Heh, is this an interrogation?”

A single deft remark made Ging drop his suave, imposing grown-man demeanor, and he could only show a sheepish, helpless smile.

Kurama ignored him, turning to nuzzle Mokona with a grin.

“Ah, times are tough, aren’t they, Mokona? One moment he’s eating and drinking with us, the next he’s questioning us like we’re criminals. Animal rights activists are terrifying.”

No matter how well Mokona got along with Ging, he was forever on Kurama’s side, and so, without hesitation, nodded. “Mm! Very scary!”

Then, in perfect sync, both turned to glare at Ging with disdain.

The black-haired man could only laugh wryly.

“Hey, you two…”

He scratched his head, clearly at a loss as to how to argue with these two mischievous creatures.

Still, the atmosphere had lightened once more.

“Of course I know you’re not poachers,” Ging finally sighed. “But this forest is home to many mysterious and rare magical, phantom, and precious beast species thought extinct by the outside world. Even here, many are already extremely scarce, so…”

So, Ging had to be cautious.

Kurama glanced at him sidelong.

“I’m here for Crystal Featherbones,” he said frankly. “But just a small amount will suffice.”

He hadn’t expected Ging to look so astonished at his answer.

“Just for that?”

Kurama was silent—if people outside knew that something they considered priceless was “just that” to you, you’d be beaten to death.

But Ging didn’t care about the boy’s disparaging look.

“If that’s all, I can get it for you,” he said mysteriously.

＊＊＊

Ging wasn’t just boasting.

After spending the night together in the forest and sharing a hearty breakfast the next morning, he led Kurama through winding paths until they reached a small, sunken valley.

Surrounded by dense, towering trees, the valley was almost impossible to find, with little sunlight able to pierce the canopy.

Standing at the edge and looking down, Kurama saw a field of Crystal Featherbones glimmering in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the leaves.

“This is their burial ground.”

Ging’s tone was uncharacteristically tinged with sorrow.

Kurama didn’t speak immediately. He simply turned and regarded Ging with a quiet, inscrutable look.

“Why… did you bring me here?” he finally asked in a low voice.

Ging wouldn’t bring just anyone here—yet now he had…

The black-haired man was silent for a moment, gazing at Kurama.

“Maybe… because the scent of someone searching for something on you is so unbearably sad,” he said at last, stroking his chin in a manner that seemed unserious, but which struck Kurama deeply.

Seeing Kurama’s look of astonishment, Ging’s face broke into a meaningful, bright smile.

“So, kid, are you interested in hearing my proposal?”

Author’s Note: First, an announcement. This story will enter VIP status the day after tomorrow, June 28th, which is this Friday. There will be three updates on VIP day, so tomorrow’s update will be paused to prepare the chapters. I won’t say much else—if you’re able, please support the official release. Your support is what keeps me going. Of course, whether you stay or leave, thank you for all the support you’ve shown since the beginning of this story. Big hugs for everyone!

As for this chapter… Someone commented last time that the meeting between Kurama and Ging was “full of BL vibes”! That’s not the case at all! Now you know: Kurama just finds Ging’s resemblance to Yusuke a bit uncanny, that’s all—I swear Ging is not the CP! As for who the CP actually is, that character hasn’t appeared yet. You know I never play CP games. When he does show up, I’ll make it clear, so don’t worry about supporting the wrong ship.

This chapter’s illustration is of the very punchable (==) boss Ging—
Honestly, he looks far too much like Yusuke! But I have one more thing to complain about: why does your appearance look so different from the photo in Mito’s house at the start of Hunter? There’s the evidence—Ging in the opening photo—his eyes are a totally different size… I give up! Boss Ging, did you get plastic surgery…?

Lastly, as always, a teaser for the next chapter: Accept? x Refuse? x Manifest Nen? What will Ging’s proposal be, and how will Kurama respond? And does “manifest Nen” in the title refer to Kurama? Meanwhile, the gift from Count D, which even Yuko envies, is about to reveal its true nature? Stay tuned for the next chapter, “The Demon Fox Kurama: Accept? x Refuse? x Manifest Nen?”

PS: Thank you to Lost Cat for the two landmines! Big hugs and kisses! =3= And please keep supporting the story~ I’m well-behaved and easy to keep, promise!