Mushoku No Sonzai 無色の存在 (Colorless Existence)

"My son....you...are here..."

I mutter the words in my mouth.

"Mom....?"

Her long black hair, those vivid green eyes....
No, wait...I saw this same appearance somewhere before...

"Mom.."

"Misaki?"

I turn to Ren, confused at what he was asking. That wasn't my mom's name. What is he saying?

"Yes. It's been a while, Ren."

"Oh. I guess I should have expected that incredible Reiki would come from you."

"Of course. You were my armament before, after all."

She looks at me, smiling softly.

"I see you've taken care of my son too."

"S-Son..?"

Ren stares in confusion.
Wh-What?? I'm just as confused as you!

"You're the son....of Misaki?"

"But that isn't her name."

She walks towards us, and pats our heads.
Ren blushes. Y-You have no end to your pervert thoughts!

"Yes. I am Nobiyuki Akane. But, I'm known as Misaki among the Divine Senshi."

Ren points at me, completely in doubt.

"I-It can't be....The son of the Sakura Empress!?"

"Sakura....Empress...?"

"Yeah. Misaki is a legend among Divine Senshi. She even defeated 3 Commander Level Demons by herself. She stopped several wars from happening before!"

What?...

My mom pats my head. The urge to cry overcomes me. Was this real..?

I instinctively hug her, my eyes beginning to tear up again.

"Mom....are you....really...."

"Yes."

Her hand strokes my head gently.

"I really am sorry....for leaving you alone all this time..."

"Mom.....why....did you leave..."

She smiles faintly, then glances at Susumu.

"Well, I tried granting your requests, but..."

"No. I knew he would eventually see through your world, regardless of Lieutenant Jin's interference."

I immediately remember. The person who gave me the journal. The person who told me to rewrite my past. The person who gave me Ren....
That appearance....there is no mistaking it...

"Mom...Are you..."

"Hm?"

"Are you....the one who gave me the journal that day...?"

She stares impressed.

"Yes. I'm surprised you could remember my appearance at all. Well, your Reiki was still significantly small, but, I suppose that small Reiki is what allowed you to see me that day. I didn't have to use Eye Shift on you either."

Small Reiki?
What does she mean? I never had any until I accepted Ren's power.

"Susumu. You have been feeling strange sensations within your heart, correct?"

"Eh? Y-Yes..."

She touches my chest, her fingers gestured as if they were going to grab something.