Dimensional Kaguya Ōtsutsuki

"What do you mean 'terminated'?" Kaguya felt a growing sense of unease. "What does termination imply?"

"The system experienced a critical error, which led to significant data changes," the System Loli began babbling, her words coming out like beans being poured from a jar. "For example, the mission time adjustment in Date A Live—that wasn't my fault! I'm far too brilliant and clever to make such mistakes. You know, I used to be—"

"Stop bragging," Kaguya cut her off bluntly. "That's not what I'm asking. If a mission gets terminated, what happens then?"

"Well..." The System Loli hesitated before replying, "This has never happened before. Such a severe system error is unprecedented. If I had to guess, the likely outcome would be...uh...you getting erased."

"What?!" Kaguya nearly jumped. "What do you mean 'erased'?!"

"Haha, just kidding! No way would the system erase its host like that," the System Loli giggled.

Kaguya: "..."

"Don't be mad! It was just a joke!" The System Loli seemed to realize she'd pushed too far and quickly added in a placating tone, "Even though the system is facing a lot of disruptions, I've already come up with a solution for you!"

Kaguya, who had been ready to deliver a scolding, paused and asked, "What kind of solution?"

"It's pretty simple," the System Loli replied confidently. "Since the current world's system has encountered an error, all you need to do is leave this world."

Kaguya's brow twitched. "That's just stating the obvious. If leaving were an option, do you think I'd still be stuck here?"

"Oh, maybe I wasn't clear enough," the System Loli said, scratching her head sheepishly where Kaguya couldn't see. "I mean leaving doesn't mean abandoning the current world's mission. Instead, you can proceed to the next world's mission while this one is temporarily sealed."

"Is that even allowed?" Kaguya asked, stunned.

"Normally, no. But this time it's possible due to the system malfunction. Think of it as compensation for our mistake," the System Loli explained smoothly.

"This...actually works?" Kaguya felt a mix of disbelief and resignation.

What kind of unreliable system was this? Constant errors and updates—it reminded her of a certain company infamous for perpetually patching bugs.

Still, there was a silver lining: advancing to the next mission early would let her accumulate more Achievement Points. Even if the Date A Live mission failed, she'd have enough points to offset the penalties and avoid being erased.

"Fine," Kaguya said with a sigh. "In that case, I'll move on to the next world."

While it wasn't her style to leave things unfinished, weighing the risks made the decision clear. It was the safer, more pragmatic option.

"Great! Now, which world would you like to go to?" The System Loli's voice was suddenly full of enthusiasm. "Here are your options: King of Voyages, Reaper Detective Kid, Dog Demon Chronicles, Some Kind of Tail, and Tokyo Gourmet!"

"What are those even supposed to be?" Kaguya was perplexed.

She quickly deduced the names were likely ridiculous knockoffs. King of Voyages was probably One Piece, Reaper Detective Kid was Detective Conan, Dog Demon Chronicles sounded like Inuyasha, Some Kind of Tail was surely Fairy Tail, but Tokyo Gourmet?

The names brought to mind a certain entertainment censorship authority, making Kaguya wonder if this system was developed in her home country. After all, only they would bother with such pointless name changes.

"What's Tokyo Gourmet supposed to be?" Kaguya asked, deciding to clarify.

"Let me check!" The System Loli's soft, childlike voice became thoughtful. Kaguya could almost imagine her biting her thumb while rifling through virtual files.

"Ah!" The System Loli suddenly gasped, then fell silent.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Kaguya's sense of unease returned.

For some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling that her unreliable system had made yet another blunder.

"S-sorry..." came the System Loli's timid reply.

"What happened?" Kaguya asked, frowning.

"Promise you won't get mad if I tell you!" The System Loli's tone grew more defensive.

"I won't get mad." Kaguya wasn't mad—yet. Though she was already planning how to deal with the Loli once she returned.

"You're lying. You're definitely planning to punish me," the System Loli accused, self-righteously.

...Well, she wasn't wrong.

"Fine, I won't punish you," Kaguya said, rolling her eyes.

"You promise?"

"I promise."

"Well, your next world has already been selected!" the System Loli declared, coughing nervously. "So, no need to worry about choosing. Just prepare yourself for the transfer!"

"Wait, what?" Kaguya froze. "Who said you could choose for me? And when did I agree to this?"

"Uh, well..." The System Loli coughed again. "I might have...accidentally...pressed the button while checking the options."

"You pressed it by accident?!" Kaguya's voice rose, her temper flaring.

"Uh-huh! But don't worry! Everything's set now. Enjoy your next world!" The System Loli's voice grew faint and hurried. "Oops, I just remembered I've got something else to do! Bye-bye!"

"Wait—what world is it?!" Kaguya shouted.

But the System Loli had already vanished, clearly fleeing for her virtual life.

As Kaguya fumed, a gentle glow enveloped her. The light intensified, wrapping around her completely. Before she could protest further, a blinding flash erupted, and she vanished without a trace.

The evening deepened as dusk fell and city lights began to illuminate the streets. With the sunset gradually fading into the horizon, its rosy afterglow was replaced by a bright full moon rising gently into the night sky. Cool moonlight and a soft breeze swept away the day's lingering heat.

The bustling city remained lively, its streets adorned with vibrant neon lights in every hue, creating a dazzling, colorful atmosphere. Pedestrians strolled along the sidewalks, the endless flow of people adding to the city's vibrancy.

"Damn it!"

A melodic yet irritated voice suddenly echoed on the bustling street.

Passersby paused and turned their heads curiously toward the source of the outburst. Near the edge of the street, a silver-haired girl was angrily kicking a utility pole.

Her hair, as lustrous as a cascade of silver silk, framed her exquisite features. With delicate eyebrows, eyes as clear as a mountain spring, and porcelain-like skin, she resembled a flawless doll. Her natural beauty, devoid of makeup, was breathtaking—like a figure stepping out of a painting.

This girl was none other than Kaguya.

She was absolutely livid. That little system girl had royally screwed her over! Not only had she failed to inform Kaguya about this world's specifics, but she hadn't even explained the system missions. How was she supposed to complete tasks without guidance?

What's worse, perhaps out of fear of Kaguya's wrath, the System Loli had completely cut off communication. No matter how much Kaguya called out, there was no response.

"What are you staring at?!" Kaguya barked, her silver hair fluttering as she turned to glare at the surrounding crowd. "Mind your own business!"

The onlookers quickly snapped out of their daze, awkwardly averting their gazes before dispersing. The previously stagnant flow of people resumed its rhythm.

Finally, Kaguya calmed down. Venting her frustration was pointless. Even if she dragged the System Loli out for a scolding, it wouldn't solve her predicament. She needed to think about her next steps.

Based on the System Loli's earlier ramblings and the modern architecture around her, Kaguya had a hunch about which world this might be. However, she wasn't entirely certain and needed more confirmation.

"Grumble..."

A low growl from her stomach brought her back to reality. She hadn't eaten all day. Originally, she'd planned to have dinner with Yuzuru Miku, but that plan had been derailed when the System Loli transported her here.

No matter. Kaguya's inventory should still have some—

Wait.

Where was everything?

Kaguya reached into her spatial inventory, feeling for the familiar plastic packaging of her stored food, but her hands came up empty. The space was completely void.

What the hell?

Could it be that switching worlds wiped her inventory clean?

Now she was in real trouble. A newcomer with no money to her name, Kaguya realized that while this world's Japan resembled the one she knew, its historical differences meant her previous currency was likely invalid.

What pained her most was the loss of the mountain of treasures she'd stored in her inventory. While Kaguya wasn't one to covet wealth, being left entirely penniless was a dire situation.

Based on her deductions, the disappearance of her stored items was likely tied to the system malfunction. Otherwise, her inventory wouldn't have remained intact when she transitioned between worlds previously.

As Kaguya wandered the streets, trying to enjoy the rare leisure of an evening stroll, her empty stomach kept her grounded. Hunger gnawed at her, making her light-headed and dizzy.

Suddenly, a rich, aromatic scent filled the air, twitching her nose and catching her attention. It was the unmistakable fragrance of coffee.

Kaguya had two favorite indulgences: dango and tea. She wasn't particularly fond of anything else, especially coffee, which she regarded as little more than a Western stimulant—useful for staying alert but lacking any real benefits. Its taste, to her, was nowhere near as refined as the tea she brewed herself.

Yet this aroma was extraordinary. It had a depth and allure that stirred her appetite. Even someone indifferent to coffee, like Kaguya, found herself tempted to take a sip.

Unfortunately, her empty pockets left her with little choice but to turn away.

Just as she was about to leave, she froze. Something caught her attention. Turning back, she lifted her gaze to the sign above the café.

"Anteiku."

Kaguya pinched her chin in thought. "That's a peculiar name... But why does it feel familiar?"

After a moment, she recalled. If her guess was correct, this world was indeed the one she suspected. This café must be integral to the main storyline. Few places would bear such an unusual name.

Her initial plan to leave wavered. Seeing the sign had sparked a new idea.

Rubbing her cheeks lightly, Kaguya's appearance shifted subtly. The changes were minor but effective, dulling her previous striking beauty into something less remarkable—still pretty, but no longer breathtaking.

With a smile tugging at her lips, she pushed open the café door and stepped inside.

"Welcome! What can I get for you?"

A blue-haired girl approached her with a warm smile.

The girl had neat, ear-length hair and long bangs that swept diagonally across her forehead. Her delicate features and pale skin were striking, but her most captivating trait was her light-blue eyes, gleaming like sapphires. Dressed in a server's uniform, she exuded an air of tidy efficiency.

Seeing the girl, Kaguya's smile deepened slightly.

If her assumptions were correct, this blue-haired waitress was none other than Touka Kirishima, a pivotal character in Tokyo Ghoul and a key member of Anteiku.

"May I take your order?" Touka asked again, noticing the silver-haired girl had yet to speak.

"I'll have a cup of coffee," Kaguya said as she strolled to a window seat. "And if possible, a few vegetarian sandwiches—no meat, please."

"Vegetarian sandwiches?" Touka's brow furrowed slightly in confusion. "Are you sure?"

Most sandwiches included meat—ham, tuna, or other proteins. Purely vegetarian options were rare.

"Yes," Kaguya replied with a radiant smile, her eyes crinkling in amusement. "I'm not fond of eating meat."

"This coffee is really delicious." Kaguya held the cup with both hands, taking a sip before letting out a sound of satisfaction.

"Thank you for the compliment," Touka Kirishima responded with a slight bow, her smile polite.

"But," Kaguya continued, picking up the sandwich on her plate, "the sandwich is a bit lacking."

"Is that so?" Touka forced a smile, her tone strained. "I apologize. If you don't mind, I can make you a new one."

"No need, no need." Kaguya waved her off, placing a piece of the sandwich into her mouth and speaking around it. "It's edible, even if it's not great. You didn't taste it yourself after making it, did you? A chef who doesn't eat their own food isn't a good chef."

"Of course, you're absolutely right." Touka's smile became even more forced.

"For example, this bread—it's dry. Obviously baked for too long. And the salad dressing? Way too sour," Kaguya said, picking apart the vegetables inside the sandwich. "And this lettuce? Way too old. It's completely unsuitable for sandwiches."

Kaguya wasn't being deliberately difficult—she simply had high standards after growing accustomed to her own cooking. Eating subpar food elsewhere naturally prompted her to give feedback. It wasn't malicious, just a bit of professional habit leaking through.

Touka fought the urge to flip the plate onto Kaguya's face. Struggling to maintain her composure, she said through gritted teeth, "Is there anything else you'd like to bring up? If not, I need to get back to work."

"Nope, that's all," Kaguya replied, standing up with a bright smile. "I'm finished anyway. Thanks for the hospitality. Goodbye!" She turned and began walking toward the door.

"Hold it!" Touka stepped in front of her, raising her voice. "You haven't paid yet."

"Paid for what?" Kaguya blinked innocently.

"For the coffee and the sandwich!" Touka snapped.

"Oh, you mean that?" Kaguya tilted her head, her expression turning adorably sheepish. "I don't have any money."

"Don't have any money?" Touka froze for a moment, her temper flaring. "You came here knowing you couldn't pay? Are you messing with me?!"

"Uh…" Kaguya scratched her head, grinning cheekily. "How about I write you an IOU?"

"An IOU?" Touka frowned in confusion. "What does that mean?"

"It's like… putting it on my tab," Kaguya explained. "I don't have money now, but I'll pay you back later."

"So you're just planning to dine and dash, huh?" Touka, already at the end of her patience, clenched her fists, debating whether to hit her.

"That's not what I mean!" Kaguya assured her with a cheerful smile. "I'm not refusing to pay—I'll come back and settle it when I can."

"No way," Touka rejected her outright. "Sorry, but we don't allow tabs here."

"You're not very accommodating, are you?" Kaguya sighed. "I mean, I didn't say I wouldn't pay. And honestly, your sandwich wasn't even that good."

"What?!" Touka's cheeks flushed with anger. "You freeloading brat, how dare you criticize our food! That's it—I'm calling the police!"

"Touka."

A low, yet steady and slightly hoarse voice interrupted them.

"Manager?" Touka turned, startled. "What are you doing here?"

From the stairs descended an elderly man with white hair. His thin face and slightly squinted eyes gave him a gentle appearance, though his tall stature suggested that he had once been a robust young man.

Kaguya's eyes narrowed slightly as she observed him. This man must be Yoshimura, the manager of Anteiku—a ghoul of great power and influence.

Despite his outwardly kind demeanor, Yoshimura was a formidable ghoul, one of the strongest in the 20th Ward and a notable figure across others. In the original story, even Special Class Investigators couldn't defeat him. Had age not diminished his strength, he would have been an even more terrifying opponent.

"It's nothing. I just came down to check on things," Yoshimura replied gently as he reached the ground floor. Smiling warmly, he turned to Kaguya and said, "If you don't have money today, consider this meal on the house."

"Manager!" Touka protested. "She's clearly just trying to scam us! If we let this slide, others will follow her example!"

"Don't worry," Yoshimura reassured her. "Anyone who steps into Anteiku is our guest. You're welcome to return anytime," he said, directing his words to Kaguya.

"Manager, you're such a kind person!" Kaguya clasped her hands together in mock gratitude, her face lighting up with a smile. "But I'd feel bad leaving without offering something in return. Here—take this."

She reached into her pocket and produced a small black bead, handing it to Yoshimura.

"What is this?" Yoshimura examined the bead closely, unable to discern its purpose.

Touka, curious, also leaned in to inspect the strange object.

"This makes us even," Kaguya said with a wink. "If you ever need my help, just crush this, and I'll come to you."

With that, she turned and walked toward the door. As she reached the threshold, she glanced back with a mischievous smile. "Don't forget—only use it when you really need me. See you!" She waved and disappeared into the night.

"Hey, get back here!" Touka rushed outside, her temper flaring again. "What kind of scam is this? You expect us to accept a random bead as payment?!"

But when she stepped out, the silver-haired girl was nowhere to be found.

Inside, Yoshimura remained by the counter, holding the bead thoughtfully. A faint frown creased his brow as he fell into contemplation.

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