So I'm a Narcissist, So What?

Chapter 9: Crossover



After steeping out of the bus Shiro summoned the [System] to purchased a [Map] of Tokyo City for 10 points.

"Alright." Shiro tucked his hands into his pockets. "Our top priority is finding a house, but who says we can't enjoy ourselves along the way? Good food, shopping, sightseeing—Tokyo has it all!"

Nanako's eyes sparkled as she looked around. "Wow! This place is so big! There's so many people."

Mimiko, less enthusiastic, clung to Shiro's arm. "It's so noisy…"

Amidst the throngs of people, grotesque Curse Spirits of varying shapes and sizes lurked in plain sight. They were everywhere—clinging to walls, drifting near lampposts, and slithering among the crowd like uninvited guests.

A particularly bold Grade 4 Curse Spirit tried to latch onto Mimiko's shoulder, its gnarled fingers reaching out. Before she could even react, Shiro flicked his finger casually, a pulse of Curse Energy bursting forth. The spirit popped like an overinflated balloon, disintegrating into nothingness.

Shiro smirked, brushing imaginary dust off his hands. "A small fry tried to lay its hand on my adorable little sister. Such audacity!"

Nanako and Mimiko's eyes brighten in amazement, though Mimiko clung a little tighter to Shiro's arm.

Shiro gave them a pat on the head, his grin as confident as ever. "Don't worry. Your big brother has everything under control. First things first. Let's get something to eat. You can't explore Tokyo on an empty stomach."

The bustling streets were alive with enticing smells—grilled skewers, sweet pastries, and sizzling snacks wafted through the air. Shiro led the girls to a food stall, where he bought them each a skewer.

"This is amazing!" Nanako exclaimed, biting into hers with enthusiasm.

Mimiko nodded quietly, savoring the taste, but her attention soon drifted to a stall selling fish-shaped pastries. She tugged on Shiro's sleeve. "Can I have one of those?"

"Of course," Shiro replied, buying her the treat without hesitation. Nanako quickly followed suit, choosing a different flavor.

"This is the best day ever!" Nanako declared, her cheeks puffed as she held up her half-eaten pastry like a trophy.

As they continued exploring, Shiro noticed a group of girls at a nearby stall glancing in his direction. One of them nudged her friend, whispering, "Is he a model? He's so good-looking!"

Shiro's ears perked up, and his smirk widened. The curse of my unparalleled beauty strikes again.

Another girl called out, "Hey! Are you from around here?"

Shiro turned to them with his most charming smile. "Not exactly. Just a traveler gracing Tokyo with my presence."

The girls giggled, clearly intrigued. Nanako tugged at his sleeve, confused. "Big Brother, why are they laughing?"

Shiro crouched down, whispering conspiratorially. "They're overwhelmed by my charm. Happens all the time."

Standing back up, he turned to the girls and added with a playful wink, "I'd love to chat more, but I have responsibilities. Being a single father raising these two adorable kids keeps me busy."

The girls burst into laughter, one of them waving. "Good luck, daddy!"

Shiro chuckled, giving them a mock salute. "Thanks! It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it."

As they walked away, Nanako tilted her head. "Are we your kids?"

"Just a joke," Shiro said, ruffling her hair. "Don't worry—you two are way too cute to be my actual kids. Clearly, you inherited all your charm from me."

The girls giggled as Shiro adjusted his jacket, already thinking of their next stop. Once the excitement of exploring wore off, it was time to get serious. Shiro led the girls to a small real estate office he'd found using the map.

The real estate office was small but tidy, and the agent who greeted them was polite and professional. Shiro, knowing the importance of first impressions, straightened his posture and shook the agent's hand firmly. This wasn't the time or place for his usual antics.

"Thank you for meeting us," Shiro said, his tone calm and collected. "I'm looking for a property suitable for three people. Something modest but livable."

The agent nodded, gesturing for them to sit. "Of course. May I ask your budget?"

Shiro adjusted his jacket, puffing up slightly with confidence. "3,500,000 yen. Cash."

The agent's smile didn't waver, but there was a slight flicker of hesitation in his eyes. "That's a good amount for certain areas," he said diplomatically. "Though it might limit your options within Tokyo proper. You may find better deals on the outskirts."

Shiro's confident façade cracked slightly as the reality of the situation dawned on him. Three and a half million isn't as much as I thought…

He kept his composure, nodding thoughtfully. "I see. Let's take a look at what's available."

The tours began, and the options weren't exactly promising.

The first property was an aging apartment building that smelled faintly of mildew. The walls were scuffed, the lighting was dim, and the tiny space felt more like a storage unit than a home.

"It has... character," the agent said, attempting to put a positive spin on things.

Shiro stepped inside, took one whiff, and immediately backed out, trying to keep his face neutral. "Thank you, but I think we'll pass."

The second option was a cramped one-room flat. Nanako twirled around once and nearly bumped into all four walls. "This place is tiny!"

Mimiko clutched her bunny tightly, her frown deepening. "It feels... sad."

Shiro sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Is this what my life has come to? I can exorcise a Curse Spirit with a flick of my finger, but I can't afford a decent house?"

The agent cleared his throat, clearly trying to maintain a professional demeanor. "Perhaps we should look further out of the city. You might find something more suitable there."

Finally, they arrived at a compact one-story house in a quieter area on the outskirts. The house was old, built in the 1980s, but it had a small garden, tatami flooring, and two modest bedrooms.

"It's older," the agent admitted, "but it's sturdy and within your budget."

Nanako ran into the garden, her laughter filling the air as she twirled happily. "I love it!"

Mimiko stood near the door, hugging her bunny. Her voice was soft, but there was relief in her tone. "It feels... safe."

Shiro walked through the house, inspecting every corner. It wasn't perfect, but it had potential. Crossing his arms, he gave a thoughtful nod. "Alright. We'll take it."

He paused at the doorway, giving the house one last look. "It's not the palace I deserve, but it'll do for now."

The agent smiled. "I'll get the paperwork ready."

The room was quiet, save for the soft, even breaths of Nanako and Mimiko as they clung to their plushies, lost in dreams. Shiro sat cross-legged near the window, his gaze wandering over the serene neighborhood outside. The gentle glow of streetlights cast long shadows, and the occasional whisper of the wind played with the garden leaves.

"This isn't bad," he murmured, his voice barely audible. A small smile curled on his lips. "A roof over our heads, food in our stomachs, and two plushie-obsessed kids. Feels... peaceful."

He leaned back slightly, his head tilted up to the sky. The stars were scattered like diamonds, and the moon hung heavy and bright, casting a silvery glow. Shiro raised his hand toward it, as if trying to grasp the celestial bodies. A simple gesture, but one that spoke of longing.

Although this tranquility was something he hadn't expected — or even known he wanted — his ambitions burned quietly beneath the surface. He couldn't deny the pull of his desires.

He want to travel to other worlds, become powerful, and, of course, conquering the hearts of his so-called "waifus."

He turned his head slightly, his gaze softening as it fell on the two sleeping girls. Nanako and Mimiko looked utterly at peace, clutching their new plushies tightly, their faces relaxed and unguarded.

"I'll be back," he murmured in a low voice, barely audible, as though speaking to himself.

Shiro knew these two would hold him back at times. They were a weakness. But they were his weakness. If the same situation that had brought them into his care repeated itself, he wouldn't hesitate to protect them. If it came to it, he'd take them with him, no matter where he went.

He wasn't a hero. He wasn't a saint. But he wasn't heartless either. Shiro wouldn't go out of his way to save every single person — that wasn't who he was. If someone stood before him and deserved his help, he'd lend a hand. Especially if they were kids.

He wasn't some idealistic hero of justice who believed in saving everyone. He knew better.

Shiro's hands weren't clean. Far from it. They were stained with more blood than most people could imagine.

He had ended the lives of more people in the war than he cared to count. Men, women — even children and the elderly. To him, it didn't matter. On the battlefield, everyone was equal. It was a simple, brutal truth. End their life or lose your own. That was the only rule.

He never thought about the families or friends left behind by those whose lives he'd taken. Compassion had no place in war. You acted, or you died. Shiro had embraced that mindset long ago. He didn't discriminate.

To him, survival was the only justice that mattered.

Nevertheless…

Shiro sighed, shaking his head as he looked back out at the stars. "System, is it possible to alter the time dilation between worlds?"

The familiar voice of the [Crossover System] responded immediately.

[It is possible to a degree.]

Shiro raised an eyebrow. "Does it cost points?"

[None. It is one of the basic functions of 'Crossover.']

His lips curled into a grin. "Alright, how much can you alter it by?"

[The limit is 1 minute in one world equaling 60 minutes in another. The function can also work in reverse across multiple worlds.]

His smile widened. "Convenient. That'll work."

He looked back at the twins once more, a flicker of determination in his glowing eyes. They were safe here. For now.

"I'll use [Crossover]," he said firmly.

The system responded immediately, as if anticipating his command.

> [Crossover Activated.]

Please select a world.

Shiro didn't hesitate. "Demon Slayer."

The faint blue glow of the system's interface illuminated his face as the room around him began to blur. His vision shifted, the world bending and folding like ripples in water. The quiet hum of the system grew louder, and for a brief moment, everything faded to white.

When Shiro opened his eyes again, he was no longer in the peaceful little room.


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