Chapter 418: – Independence Day(?)

It was the Fourth of July in the USA. Technically, it was already the Fifth in Japan, so it had already handed.

However John did not care about that. What mattered was…

“It is time for fireworks.”

For the primary time in numerous eons, he had an excuse to legally, morally, and ethically(?) launch explosions into the air.

And John was not about to overlook that. So…

xxx

“That is why we will go on a visit to the U.S.”

John stepped away from the whiteboard and completed up his presentation.

An historic recreation and elaboration on the origin of Independence Day, why Individuals shot fireworks into the air… the entire 9 yards.

After deciding it was going to be a factor, and since J4 landed on a Friday this 12 months, he dragged his whole household into the studio at Fantasy Inc. HQ to teach them and clarify simply how essential it was that they take this journey.

…However they did not look impressed or understanding.

Meggie regarded unphased, clearly not understanding how essential it was.

Alphy regarded confused, however she appeared completely satisfied to associate with John.

Betty regarded like she felt it was a waste of time.

Yue… was nonetheless processing.

Rory regarded like she was up for it although!

Then once more, John knew that his youngest daughter could be up for it. She was the one who introduced in regards to the heavenly tribulations and was born amidst a bunch of chaotic occasions, in spite of everything.

…However clearly his presentation wanted refinement. It was good that he tried it out on his shut household first earlier than attempting to persuade his adopted sisters and his pals.

Meggie stared on the whiteboard for some time after which shook her head. “I nonetheless do not get it.” She frowned after which checked out John. “What is the large deal about some explosions?”

John unfold out his arms and stated, “It is the symbolism!” He pumped a fist within the air after which stated, “The bombs bursting in air! The rocket’s crimson glare! Even after every little thing else, the flag was nonetheless there!”

“…I imply, I assume?” Meggie frowned. “However what does that must do with explosions? It is not that particular, is it?”

Okay, she was a misplaced trigger.

John frowned after which checked out Alphy. “You get it, proper, Alphy?”

Alphy nodded, letting out a brilliant smile. “I get it, Papa! You want explosions loads, so it is an ideal vacation for you, proper?”

“Sure! Wait, I imply, no!” John frowned and stated, “I do not like explosions! I like fireworks shows!”

Betty crossed her arms and hummed. “I suppose fireworks shows could be entertaining and romantic… However there may be one for Mt. Fuji on Sunday, is there not? Might we not have simply taken a visit then?” She frowned and stated, “It appears a waste to undergo a lot effort to move to the USA only for just a few hours of sending up explosions.”

…She was a misplaced trigger too.

John turned to Yue and stated, “Wifey! You get it, proper?”

Yue hummed, idly holding Rory in her arms. Rigorously analyzing the presentation on the whiteboard, she finally stated, “I truthfully don’t, Husband. But it surely seems to be a practice from your own home nation, so I will likely be completely satisfied to expertise it with you.”

Rory caught up her hand and giggled. “Babu babu!” (Me too!)

John caught a thumb up and stated, “Wonderful!” He pulled out his telephone to test the time and stated, “It is 8 AM right here, so… Hm. Too hazardous on the West coast, too late within the East coast… In all probability greatest to hit up a spot down south, so we’ll be in Central Time. In that case…” He fiddled round a bit, changing time zones. “…6 PM. Excellent. Two hours to set issues up after which prepare for dusk at 9 PM.”

Meggie raised her hand. “Uh, Dad?”

“Sure, Meggie?” John nodded and stated, “What’s up?”

“Do I’ve to go? It is the weekend, so Tsuki, Emma, and I had been going to go compete in a recreation match in Akiba-“

“It is obligatory.” John nodded and stated, “I do not do it usually, however I’m exercising my full proper as head of this family to take all of you with me.”

Meggie blinked. After which she let loose a deep struggling sigh.

Betty hummed. “Properly, I suppose I’m not doing something notably essential…”

Alphy frowned. “…Um. I am streaming later as we speak, Papa. Will that be superb?”

John waved his hand. “Don’t fret about it. We’ll head out this morning and be again by midday. Loads of time. However nice! I’ve gotta prep then, so prepare and I am going to seize you all quickly. Okay bye!”

With that, John left.

Meggie stared on the empty area the place her father had been for just a few moments after which let loose a deep sigh. “Why is Dad so randomly FU-“

Betty cleared her throat.

“Freaking bizarre?!”

Yue laughed and stated, “Let your father have his enjoyable, Meggie.”

Rory waved her hand and nodded. “Babu babu!”

Meggie glared at Rory and stated, “Cannot you speak already? How for much longer are you going to fake to be a child, Rory?”

Rory caught out her tongue at Meggie. “Baka.”

Meggie let loose a strangled sound after which jumped out of her seat. “You little- W-Whoa?!” She all of the sudden tripped and slammed her face towards the bottom.

Rory giggled.

Betty sighed. “You shouldn’t use your powers towards your large sister, Rory.”

“Kay~!”

Yue poked Rory’s cheek and stated, “No being imply to your sister, Rory.”

Alphy giggled. “Papa goes to be in sooo a lot bother whenever you develop up, Rory.”

Rory giggled again.

xxx

Whereas John’s spouse and his daughters had been speaking, he was heading out to persuade the remainder of his household to return on a visit with him again to the U.S.

And naturally, the primary particular person he needed to ask was his older brother.

However…

“I am going to go.” Grey waved his hand and stated, “I am taking my wives and children out on a highway journey already.”

“However you are American!” John pointed at Grey and stated, “It is custom! Household custom!” He patted his chest and stated, “It is in our blood! Our historical past!”

Grey gave John a clean stare and stated, “…It is simply fireworks. If you wish to watch these, there’s one for Mt. Fuji on Sunday.”

John gasped and positioned his hand over his coronary heart. “The betrayal! I believed you of all individuals would perceive, Aniki!”

“A-Aniki?” Grey blinked and stated, “Have you ever been consuming already?”

John pulled out a can of American craft beer after which gave Grey a thumbs up. “Yep!” He cracked it open and drained it in a single go earlier than saying, “Custom, my man!”

“…You may have spent WAY an excessive amount of time overseas.”

“Bah.” John flung his hand out and stated, “No matter! I am going to go ask another person then.”

Tossing the empty can again into his Heavenly Realm, he pulled out a listing and moved to the following goal.

He had tried asking Titor, Amadeus, and his Father-in-law Yudi, however…

“I am DYING right here taking part in Dad and also you need ME to go to America to look at some damned fireworks? !@#! OFF!” Titor.

“Sorry about that, John. Titor’s been a bit burdened… We would love to return, however Christina’s been fussy…” Amadeus.

“Ohoho. I’m honored that you’d ask me to go to your homeland, Son. However This One has already scheduled a subathon to earn the funds to pay for This One’s grandchildren’s faculty tuitions.” Yudi.

…Yeah.

However anyway!

After pulling strings, convincing Asako, Sakura, and Rin that they had been completely utilizing a high-tech space-bending teleportation system and never that he was simply actually bending area to get them there…

It was time.

A ranch-styled dwelling throughout 100 acres of land in Northern Texas.

The time was exactly 8:45 PM after working round organising the grill, prepping meals, and stockpiling alcohol.

And now…

John stood in entrance of a sensible armory of fireworks. Ensuring they had been all correctly staged to go off so as, he rotated to have a look at his (completely not captive) viewers.

“You guys prepared?!”

Purple-faced, Asako raised a bottle of Colona whereas leaning towards Alphy. “FUCK YEAH! MURICA!”

Rin giggled, her face a bit crimson as properly.

…Undoubtedly not as a result of she by chance drank a can of onerous lemonade. It was undoubtedly simply from the ambiance.

Her mom, then again…

“YEAH! Amelika! Besto!” Sakura chugged a Nike’s Exhausting Lemonade can earlier than cracking open a bottle of Gin-Subsequent beer and elevating it into the air, her face fully crimson.

Meggie sipped on an orange soda can and rolled her eyes. “Cease showboating and simply get on with it, Dad.”

Betty munched on a hotdog along with her left hand whereas holding a glass of wine along with her proper. Staring on the array of fireworks, she nodded and stated, “Alright, Father. Present us this ‘incarnation of freedom’ you insist upon a lot.”

John pointed at Betty and stated, “Watch carefully! And Wifey!” He pointed at Yue, who was holding Rory. “Protecting gear on Rory!”

Yue nodded and slipped on a pair of pink earmuffs on Rory.

Rory frowned and waved her hand. “Babu! Babu ba babu babu babubu!” (No! I do not need to put on earmuffs!”

John pulled out a basic Zip-Oh lighter after which stated, “Then right here!”

He flicked the spark wheel, beginning up a flame. “WE!”

Then he moved the flame in direction of the fuse and lit it. “GO!”

After lighting it, he instantly ran away and dove to the bottom.

An enormous explosion. The primary fusillade of fireworks flying into the sky like machine gun spray earlier than exploding into the American flag.

One other volley and explosion, exhibiting Rin and Hana standing on a stage with fireworks behind them.

John managed to rise up to his toes and proudly regarded up on the sky at his handiwork.

A cute chibi show of Alfi and Aoko singing on stage.

Betty, Sakura, and the others at Ars Nova Productions celebrating their recreation launch.

A giant portrait of Yue holding Rory.

Enjoyable American symbols, like an enormous soccer, a bald eagle, after which an enormous hamburger.

It was a completely designed and timed show to final for an hour, like a full-feature movie.

One thing John spent a 12 months in a pocket time bubble prepping, planning, and designing in addition to making.

…They had been undoubtedly less than authorities laws, however who cared?! This was Texas, his personal personal property, and likewise miles away from any plane strains or different individuals.

Sure.

A grand show of freedom and fireworks.

A enjoyable time together with his household and pals (even when most could not come).

Then there was nice meals, robust alcohol, and loud explosions. All the pieces that represented American custom barring weapons.

Now, how was everybody else enjoying-

xxx

-it?

John blinked after which realized that he was in his workplace.

It was late at evening, and the lights had mechanically dimmed.

John shook his head after which pulled out his telephone.

1 AM, April 10, 2025. A Wednesday.

John let loose a deep sigh. “A dream, huh?”

It appeared like even Transcendent beings may dream once they did extra time and knocked out. Nonetheless…

John nodded and pulled out his calendar. Marking July 4th, he made a notice to verify to plan issues forward of time with everybody.

Evident on the date, he stated, “This time, I am taking everybody with me.”

Overlook the grand fireworks show. It might be extra enjoyable simply capturing fireworks with everybody round and grilling all day.

…And it completely wasn’t as a result of he had a minor trauma of how bored everybody regarded in his dream. Undoubtedly not.

John nodded after which reached as much as stretch. “Alright… Now, what was I doing once more? …Proper.”

He’d performed sufficient to collect the proof Hiroyuki and Co. wanted to construct their case, so they might shelf that till the very a lot public trial in Could.

“Let’s have a look at.” Since John had his calendar open already, he may test what else he was scheduled.

“Prototype women will speedrun World Line on Saturday, Prodigy is doing an off-collab on Friday, obtained a gathering with Bai and Qing on Thursday about Challenge MirAI EN, and as we speak… Oh. Babysitting obligation. Which begins in… 5 hours since Yue’s heading off to work at 6 AM.”

John sighed after which obtained as much as head in direction of the elevator. As he did, the doorways slid open by themselves.

A mushy chime echoed, after which the elevator mechanically chosen the lounge flooring with the espresso machines.

John walked within the elevator and yawned. “Thanks, Mira-chan. Respect you heaps.”

At the moment, a cutesy however synthetic feminine voice echoed from the speaker. “No drawback, Mister John! I am going to get began on the espresso so you possibly can take over the world!”

“Respect it. However no taking on the world as we speak.”

“…Tomorrow?”

“I am going to give it some thought.”

“Yay!”

…Possibly it wasn’t a good suggestion to let the ladies marathon the Terminator sequence within the studio…