Reincarnated as Itsuka Shido: Collecting Spirits as Lovers

Seeing that she was still a bit panicky and worried about her puppet, Yoshinon. Shido can only smile bitterly as he had never coaxed a child before. 

Although her actual age is 40 plus, her appearance and mental age are that of a 13 to 14 years old girl.

When Shido was thinking of a way to make her distracted, he suddenly thought of something little girls always like especially since he had a cheeky little sister that are almost the same age as Yoshino.

...

Fraxinus.

"Kshhh."

A dainty 'Kshhh!' escaped Kotori's lips, a delicate sneeze that made her nose twitch adorably."

"Damn it, who's talking bad about me."

Kotori awkwardly rubbed her cute little nose in embarrassment, fortunately, there were only Reine and Tohka in the room, or else she would die in embarrassment.

...

Back at the Shirne.

Shido quickly opened his System panel, went to the store, and bought something for Yoshino.

"Here, Yoshino..." Shido said gently, handing a lollipop to the timid Spirit before him.

He hoped it would calm her nerves and make her feel more at ease.

Yoshino stared at the candy, her delicate nose already picking up its faint sweetness. She could feel herself salivating, and Shido couldn't help but think that she looked utterly adorable in her hesitance.

The urge to protect and cherish her surged in his chest. Unlike Tohka, who was a naturally born Spirit and unfamiliar with human customs, Yoshino had once been a human and was faintly familiar with things like lollipops.

Shido held the lollipop closer, his movements slow and reassuring, giving Yoshino time to trust him.

Eventually, she shyly accepted the treat, her small hands trembling slightly. She held the candy as though it were a precious gem, staring at it for a moment before leaning forward to give it a tentative lick.

Her eyes widened immediately, brightening with delight as she tasted the sweet flavor. A happy expression blossomed on her face, one that could melt the coldest heart.

Shido smiled at her reaction, silently wondering at the seemingly magical quality of the items provided by his system.

For an ordinary lollipop to spark such joy, it was remarkable.

He chuckled internally, wondering if it had some hidden effect designed to bring happiness to little girls.

While Yoshino remained engrossed with her candy, distracted by its sweetness, Shido activated his Observation Haki to search for her lost companion, Yoshinon.

After sweeping the area, he found the puppet slumped lifelessly near a tree. Smiling at his discovery, he turned back to Yoshino with the good news.

"Yoshino, I found Yoshinon." Shido announced softly, not wanting to startle her.

The timid Spirit's face lit up with surprise and joy. She eagerly pulled Shido along by the sleeve, her earlier shyness momentarily forgotten in her excitement.

They approached the tree together, and Shido crouched to pick up Yoshinon. He carefully brushed off the puppet, ensuring it was clean before giving it to Yoshino. Her eyes shimmered with emotion as she took Yoshinon from him, hugging it tightly as though afraid to lose it again.

"Here's your friend." Shido said with a warm smile. His gentle tone only made Yoshino blush as she buried her face into Yoshinon, overwhelmed with gratitude.

"T-Thank you..." she managed to whisper, her voice soft but heartfelt. Even without words, Shido could feel her happiness radiating.

His Observation Haki confirmed her genuine emotions, further warming his heart. Seeing Yoshino reunited with her companion was deeply fulfilling.

He nodded, satisfied that he had achieved his current goal.

As Shido observed Yoshino putting Yoshinon back in her hand, something unexpected happened, the puppet seemed to come back to life. Yoshinon's mouth opened and closed as it spoke with a playful, mischievous voice.

"Phew, that was scary!" Yoshinon exclaimed, its animated movements startling Shido.

"Thank you for saving me and taking care of Yoshino, er..." Yoshinon paused, tilting its head as if in thought.

"Wait, Onii-san what's your name?"

Yoshino blinked, realizing they hadn't exchanged names yet. Shido chuckled softly. "Hello, Yoshinon. My name is Itsuka Shido." he introduced himself.

"Oh, oh, Shido-kun, I see! I see!" Yoshinon responded dramatically, making Shido sweat drop at the puppet's over-the-top antics.

Despite Yoshinon's peculiar personality, it was endearing in its own way.

"Anyway, thank you again for finding me and taking care of Yoshino, right, Yoshino?" Yoshinon said, turning to the girl who shyly nodded, her face still pink from her earlier embarrassment.

"So your name is Yoshino..." Shido mused aloud. "That's a very pretty name." he added, his genuine tone making Yoshino's cheeks burn even redder.

Seeing her reaction, Yoshinon burst into laughter, thoroughly amused.

"Hmm, looks like you've got to be careful around Shido-kun, Yoshino." Yoshinon teased, its playful voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.

"W-Why?" Yoshino asked curiously, glancing between Shido and her Yoshinon.

She didn't fully understand Yoshinon's implication, but Shido's lips twitched in vexation.

He knew whatever came out of Yoshinon's mouth next wouldn't be good.

"You see," Yoshinon began in a mock-serious whisper, "Shido might be a womanizer! He'll make you fall for him and then... eat you!"

Shido groaned inwardly at the ridiculous accusation, but Yoshino looked both confused and alarmed.

"Sh-Shido-san wouldn't do that... right?" Yoshino asked timidly, peeking up at Shido with wide, innocent eyes. Her soft voice made Shido's vexation melt into a wry smile.

"Don't listen to Yoshinon's nonsense." Shido reassured her, but Yoshinon was already cackling with glee, enjoying the chaotic misunderstanding it had sown.

Despite the teasing, Yoshino relaxed, her nervous expression replaced with a shy smile.

As they spoke, the rain that had enveloped the area earlier faded away, giving way to bright, warm sunlight.

Shido glanced at the clear sky, feeling that the change in weather mirrored the atmosphere between him and Yoshino.

He was about to move forward with his plan to seal her Spirit powers when a familiar voice called out behind him.

"Shido? What are you doing here?"

He turned to see Tohka skipping toward him, her face radiating happiness as usual.

"Tohka?" Shido blinked, caught off guard by her sudden arrival. Beside him, Yoshino stiffened, her earlier calm unraveling.

Seeing Tohka approach, Yoshino panicked and disappeared into thin air, leaving Shido standing alone.

"I almost sealed her..." Shido thought, letting out a sigh. He knew he would need to take things one step at a time with Yoshino. Turning his attention back to Tohka, he watched as she came to a stop in front of him, beaming brightly.

"Shido, were you with someone just now?" Tohka asked, looking around curiously. She had thought she saw another person nearby, but there was no one in sight.

Shido sighed, rubbing her head as he smiled gently. Tohka giggled, leaning into his touch. After a moment, he pulled his hand away and asked, "Weren't you with Reine for a checkup?"

Tohka nodded enthusiastically. "Un! We finished, so she teleported me near your location." she explained, her voice filled with cheer.

"I see." Shido said, nodding. Before he could say more, Tohka grabbed his hand, swinging it back and forth like an eager child.

"Shidoooo, let's go home already! I'm starving..." she whined, her cheeks puffing up in an adorable pout.

"Okay, okay," Shido replied with a helpless smile. He glanced back at the now-empty shrine where Yoshino had been moments ago. With a silent resolution to see her again, he allowed Tohka to lead him away.

Tohka continued to chatter happily as they walked, her infectious energy lifting Shido's spirits. Even though his encounter with Yoshino had ended abruptly, he felt confident that they had made progress. For now, he would focus on Tohka and the life awaiting him back at home.

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She's legal... right? :(´◦ω◦｀):