Arataki Itto was still supporting Granny Oni, but his chest heaved with restless excitement, betraying the turmoil within him. The heat—no, the sheer fervor of his demeanor—sent Shinna scurrying nervously behind Lin Mo.
Seeing Shinna startled, Lin Mo couldn't help but frown and say coldly, " Itto, calm down. You're scaring Shinna."
The moment Arataki Itto saw Lin Mo step in front of Shinna, he couldn't contain his excitement. " Big bro!
Are you a fan of Miss Shinna too?! "
Lin Mo was speechless.
Who in their right mind would be into a virtual idol like you?
But since Shinna had already been created, Lin Mo had no choice but to turn to Arataki Itto and say flatly, " Shinna is my daughter. Show some respect.
"
" D-Daughter?! "
Arataki Itto was instantly dumbfounded.
Shinna slowly stepped out from behind Lin Mo, stood beside him, and gave a slight bow to Itto, offering a wry smile. " Mr.
Arataki Itto, the person beside me is my father. I hope you won't put me in an awkward position. "
" F-Father? "
Arataki Itto looked at Lin Mo, then at Rhinedottir.
In that moment, something inside him seemed to be crumbling.
The woman he was infatuated with was his own brother's daughter?
The others remained fairly calm.
After all, they had already learned from Gorou and Albedo that Lin Mo was heading to Dragonspine to create a humanoid idol named Shinna for Inazuma.
As for why Shinna knew about Arataki Itto and so many details about the " Original Shinna Fan Club," that was all thanks to Yae Miko.
On the way, Yae Miko had patiently explained to Shinna the origins of " Virtual Shinna" and her influence in Inazuma. She had also handed over all the fan letters accumulated over the years.
So Shinna quickly understood her purpose in this world: to inherit the popularity of Virtual Shinna and turn the illusory idol into reality.
At first, Rhinedottir had been resentful about this, feeling that Lin Mo had used her. But seeing how caring and attentive Lin Mo was toward Shinna, patiently teaching her the principles of life and how to deal with others—this heartwarming scene of a father guiding his daughter gradually softened Rhinedottir's resentment, and she never brought it up again.
Earlier, when Rhinedottir had spoken so bluntly to the Inazuma group, part of it might have been lingering anger at Lin Mo.
Now, Arataki Itto's utterly dejected state worried Granny Oni deeply.
She asked kindly, " Itto... are they all your friends? "
" Granny... "
Arataki Itto said with a bitter smile. " That man named Lin Mo is the big brother I've sworn allegiance to.
He's incredible in every way. "
" I see... "
Granny Oni smiled happily.
Anyone Itto called "big brother" must be a very close friend, right?
She then asked, " And that girl... what's her relationship with you? "
There was a clear note of anticipation in Granny Oni's aged voice.
" That's... Miss Shinna.
She's... the light of my life. "
As Arataki Itto explained, his gaze was forlorn.
But seeing Granny Oni's gentle smile, he pressed on.
" She's the woman who warms my heart. "
" She's my dream lover. "
" She's the one I'd give everything for, just to spend the rest of my life with. "
Arataki Itto's words made the Inazuma group's expressions shift subtly.
Kujou Sara watched his earnest gaze and nodded inwardly. " I never thought this man could be so devoted.
"
But she kept one thought to herself.
Whether it was the divine puppet Scaramouche, the homunculus Albedo, or Shinna—beings with such long lifespans likely had no future with humans.
One issue was the vast difference in lifespan.
Another was that there had never been a precedent of a homunculus bearing children.
Thinking of this, Kujou Sara instinctively looked at Shinna.
She wanted to see if Shinna would be moved by Arataki Itto's sincere confession.
The answer, predictably, was disappointing.
Shinna's eyes were filled with fear.
As a homunculus, her emotions were far less rich than a human's.
Take Albedo, for example—he almost never smiled.
So, in Shinna's eyes, Arataki Itto's heartfelt confession might just be the emotional outpouring of an overly enthusiastic fan in a moment of passion.
Granny Oni didn't notice any of this.
Seeing Arataki Itto's downcast expression, she slowly raised her hand and patted his shoulder, speaking kindly.
" Itto, I've watched you grow up. "
" The Itto I know... "
" Never gives up in the face of hardship, and never looks so lost. "
Arataki Itto's eyes snapped back into focus.
" Granny, I know what to do! "
He clenched his fists tightly.
The next moment, he turned around and faced Shinna, who was still cowering nervously beside Lin Mo. His gaze was filled with unwavering determination.
" Lin Mo! Even if you're my big brother!"
" My burning feelings for Miss Shinna transcend all boundaries! "
" I will pursue Miss Shinna! "
" I will become the man who stays by Miss Shinna's side forever! "
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T/N:
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