Chapter 135 - Chapter 4 The Last One Standing Is

A mildly warm breeze past through his cheeks.

Even though it was clear that he need to wear his overcoat just a few days ago, walking around the streets of Tenguu City he could feel the arrival of a new season everywhere. The lawn began to turn green; flower buds were blooming on each tree...and what else but people wearing masks to avoid the pollen dancing in the air. With such things piling up, the scenery of the city gradually faded into the color of springtime.

Shidou and the others, having left the school, were walking alongside the road while looking at the surrounding scenery.

The route was the opposite direction from the road used to commutate to school and the front of the rail station. As they moved away from the school, the huge buildings and lanes became fewer in number. On the contrary, natural scenery likes trees and open fields increased.

Tohka and Tenka were walking besides both sides of Shidou

respectively. Tohka's face lit up every time she saw something rare or unusual, twisting her neck and looking on in keen interest. From time to time, she would ask, "Ooh, Shidou what is that?" As that form of happiness was being conveyed, Tenka kept her lips closed without saying a word.

But──while not knowing how long they walked for, Tenka suddenly

stopped while raising her

brow a little. Then, she raised her face as if looking at somewhere far in the distance.

"──This feeling...hmm, I see. Looks like the intuition of 's host isn't too bad."

"Eh?"

As Tenka was muttering and whispering something, Shidou was unable to restrain replying in turn.

Consequently, Tenka distorted her eyebrows as she glanced over at Shidou.

"It doesn't matter. Don't mind me. You only have to look at Tohka."

"No, no, I can't do that. Even though it's a date with three people..."

"Humph."

As Shidou forced a smile with a bead of sweat dripped down his cheeks, Tenka once again huffed from her nose.

"Compared to this, isn't there something you wanted to show us?

Don't waste Tohka's time."

And so, she spoke while seeming very dissatisfied. Then Tohka, who was listening to this, shook her head to refute this.

"It's not a waste, Tenka. So far, I'm having fun just walking on this road I've never been on before with Shidou and you. ──It's not a date because something has to happen. The moment of happiness of being with someone, that is a date."

"────So it's like that."

Tenka slightly opened her eyes, likely from never expecting Tohka to say such words. Tohka, unware of the change in expression from Tenka, puffed her chest in confidence.

"After all, I am the sempai when it comes to dates! I will teach Tenka all sorts of knowledge!

Because I am the sempai!"

"...Hmm. Then show it to me. The essence of a date."

Tenka said that while glancing to the side to Shidou.

"──So it's like this. You've narrowly escaped from death, human." "Eeh, was I on the verge of dying just now?"

"Not just now. Remember that every move, every word, every deed,

are all related to your life. Try and make Tohka just a little bit unhappy and that moment your head will be severed from your neck."

"Hey..."

With a dangerous warning pressed in a manner that he couldn't tell

whether or not if it was a

joke, Shidou almost took a step back.

But this time, Tohka frowned at Tenka, who had just made a frightening speech.

"Hey Tenka, don't say that. Besides, a date is what brings

'enjoyment' to each other. Don't always make a request to only Shidou."

"...I see. Then there's no reason for me to accompany. I don't have any enjoyment to give to Tohka and that human."

"What are you talking about? I told you earlier. We are having 'fun' just being with you. Right, Shidou?"

Tohka smiled as if seeking for consent. Shidou responded deeply as he nodded.

"Aah. Of course." "...Humph."

Tenka turned around to look back. Although it was still a bit cold, this seemed to be her way of agreeing with things.

Tohka likely thought so as well. She gave a satisfied look while

continuing to nod. "Umu, so you understand. Well then, reconcile. Apologize to Shidou."

"...What did you say?"

After listening to what Tohka had said, Tenka was unable to contain the frown marking her face.

But perhaps unable to go against Tohka's angelic smile, Tenka

turned her eyes to Shidou with a look of pure disgust.

"I. Am. Sorry."

"...O-ooh."

He had never heard an apology with so much murderous intent.

Speaking while shooting a glare that could almost kill, Shidou nodded as he felt his back drenched in sweat.

Despite having said that, Shidou couldn't be overpowered in this

mental battle. Shidou cleared

his throat to regroup as he turned to speak to those two.

"──Well, Tohka, Tenka. Actually, we are about to arrive at the destination soon. Before then, there something I need to ask both of you..."

"Mu? What is it?" " "

While Tohka's eyes were shinning, Tenka looked on at Shidou

without saying anything. Shidou

extended out both his left and right hands to both of them.

"Can you close your eyes until we reach the destination? ──I want to make it a surprise for both of you."

"Ooh! That sounds interesting!"

As Shidou said that, Tohka immediately closed her eyes and

gripped on Shidou's hand.

On the other hand, Tenka still gave Shidou a look of disapproval.

"I'm good. Only you and Tohka need to──" "Tenka."

After Shidou and Tohka shouted her name at the same time, Tenka, while still very reluctantly, closed her eyes and gave her hand to Shidou.

"Alright, then let's go slowly. Be careful with your feet."

While talking, Shidou pulled their hands and guided them forward.

But despite saying that, the pace of those two even with their eyes closed was still a bit faster

than Shidou's own speed. He didn't know whether if it was because

of their trust in him or if it

was due to their other senses being strong enough to walk anywhere even with their eyes

closed...likely it was both for Tohka and the latter for Tenka.

Shidou quickened his pace walking backwards in order to not be overtaken by those two before eventually stopping at the corner of the road.

"──Alright, we've arrived. You two can open your eyes now."

While saying so, he strengthened his grip a little to give a signal to both of them. Tohka and Tenka, as if consulted with each other prior, stopped and opened their eyelids at the same time.

And then── "──Wow──" "────"

Their freshly opened eyes gradually widened even more.

But this response couldn't be helped either. If this was the first time he saw this scenery, he would have likely made a similar reaction.

──That's right. In the gradually expanding horizon, the splendid

cherry blossom trees came into view.

It was impossible to tell how many petals were blooming on each tree. Such a view was an

elegant splendor. Dazzling but also──ephemeral. An illusory scene

that instantly grabbed the sight of the viewer.

At the moment, a gust of wind blew. The wind passed through between the trees, swaying the branches up towards the sky and scattering countless petals all at once.

"Ooh...!" " "

A Sakura snowstorm that could be seen every so often. Countless

petals formed a torrent of light

red color; just like a blizzard the scene completely captured Tohka's attention. "W-what is this...flowers──?"

With cherry petals sprinkling on her hair and shoulders, Tohka's rosy

cheeks seemed extremely

excited. Shidou smiled while also having some petals land on his hand.

"Aah. They're called cherry blossoms. ──Aah, I've always wanted to

show this to Tohka."

Shidou said that while looking up at the cherry tree.

That's right. It was here that floated in his mind for a date with

Tohka.

The reason was very simple──he wanted to show Tohka scenery that she had never seen before. Ever since the encounter with her during April 10th of last year, Shidou and Tohka have seen all

sorts of landscapes together. School, cityscape, ocean, autumn

leaves, snowy scenery──each time they saw something new, Tohka's

eyes would sparkle.

However, by the time he sealed Tohka's reiryoku, all of the cherry blossoms have already all withered, so this was the only scenery he hadn't shown her yet.

Despite having said that, this may have been a stroke of fortune. Because Tohka had never seen this before, it was the first time he could show this together with Tenka as well.

"──How is it, Tenka? It's beautiful." " Mu."

As Shidou called out to her, Tenka, who was looking up at the cherry

blossoms, shook her shoulders a little and then averted her eyes away.

"Ask Tohka rather than me. If Tohka is happy, then I will──" While saying that, Tenka's words came to a halt.

Tohka had quietly approached her from behind.

"........ Hey!"

And so, the cherry blossom petals that she had gathered were

thrown on top of Tenka's head just like confetti.

Countless petals suddenly soared and fluttered on Tenka's head. In

the blink of an eye, Tenka was covered by petals.

"Hahaha, you were wide open!" " You schemed against me?"

In an instant, she had turned into a flower-fairy figure. Tenka half-

narrowed her eyes as if deriving some enjoyment from this. Like a dog that was soaked, Tenka shook her body, causing the petals to dance back into the air.

"Ha."

Then, at lightning speed, Tenka gathered a handful of petals in the air. As a gift, Tohka also tasted the feeling of a cherry blossom snowstorm in return. In the blink of an eye, Tohka's long hair was adorned with pale red petals.

"Wow...!"

"Humph, now we are even──"

Tohka's words suddenly came to a stop.

There was no reason to consider. Shidou, who was also collecting petals as Tohka and Tenka were playing, dropped another petal bath behind Tenka.

"Hey, you should pay attention to your back, Tenka." "You bastard."

Tenka intently glared at Shidou, picking up pebbles on the road and

chasing after Shidou who tried to escape.

"Wait...why is it something heavy like stones for retaliation on my turn!?"

"Shut up. Having committed a sin against me, pay with your life in return."

"T-Tohka! Help!"

"Umu, wait a little Shidou! I'll collect the next round of petals soon!" "Wha...you scum, how cowardly for a human."

And so, a chase began between the three of them in a street where cherry blossoms danced.

◇◇◇

"What──"

In the lush forest, Mukuro's eyes were stunned as she was at a loss

for words.

That's right. Turning around after suddenly hearing her name being called──it was the

appearance of Shidou, who should have been on his date with Tohka.

It was not only Mukuro, Nia and Maria beside her also had similar shocked expressions. Mukuro lowered , which she had prepared as she turned to Shidou.

"Nushi-sama...why is thou here? Aren't thou on a tryst with Tohka currently?"

As Mukuro asked, Shidou let out a sigh a relief before replying

back. "Aah. The date with Tohka was a complete success. No need to

worry."

"! What, is that really true?"

Hearing Shidou's answer, Mukuro's eyes widened. Then, Shidou

spoke with a gentle smile.

"──I have heard everything from Kotori. Everyone worked so hard for mine and Tohka's date. Really──thank you. It's all thanks to

everyone's blessings why I could persist until now." "Nushi-sama..."

"But, it's okay now. There's no need to fight anymore. Come, let's go back to everyone──"

"──Wait a second."

Nia shouted as if to block out Shidou's voice. While stroking the page of with her right

finger, she casted a sharp gaze onto Shidou.

"Nia...? What happened?"

As Mukuro asked while confused, Nia leaked out a strange

"Nnnnn" laugh while thrusting her finger to point at Shidou. "...Ku..."

"Like I thought things went too smoothly without a hitch. I'm glad I

doubled checked with

just in case. ──Changing into boy to mount a sneak attack was a rather clever idea. Isn't that right, Nattsun?"

"What...!?"

Mukuro couldn't help but look dumbstruck as she turned to look at Shidou again. The face was unmistakably that of Shidou's──but when thinking of what Nia had said, Mukuro lightly wrinkled her brow.

Upon seeing this, the corners of Nia's lips slowly formed a smile. "It's a wonderful transformation as usual. Mukku-chin might have

been deceived if alone, but with me as the opponent, wasn't this a

poor move? I thought Nattsun should have understood this──"

While in the middle of speaking, Nia twitched her brow and let out

an 'ah' sound as if noticing

something.

"I see, so you meant to help Yosshi. After all, if that went on, Yosshi and Mikki would have been the next ones targeted. As a good friend, you couldn't overlook that. Well, isn't that really lucky. I've

inadvertently caught a big fish. Fuhahaha!"

Nia gave a villainous laugh as she once again pointed her finger at

Shidou──or rather to

Natsumi.

"Appearing here meant that your luck has run out! Mukuro-sensei if you will!"

"You said all that, but in the end you still end up relying on Mukuro."

Maria, who was behind Nia, spoke with open eye closed. However, Nia ignored this (despite sweat dripping from her forehead) as he turned and gave a reliant look towards Mukuro.

"Hmm..."

However, Mukuro did not act immediately.

Without there being any signs of rebuttal, there was no doubt that this Shidou was a fake. Of

course, there was no anger in Natsumi trying to use Shidou's

appearance to deceive Mukuro.

But── "...Certainly."

From the state of mind of Mukuro's perception, Natsumi was

speaking in the same voice as

Shidou, in the same appearance as him.

"I guess I did something foolish. As long as there is , no

matter how good it is, my identity will still be definitely exposed.

──But, hey."

Natsumi widened her eyes as she stared at Mukuro's face. "I don't regret my actions. Even if I am defeated here, I am

satisfied. ──What about you Mukuro? Being manipulated by Nia and

surviving until the very end, even if you get the right to confess could

you stand proudly in front of Shidou?" "...Muku is──"

Being told this by Natsumi, Mukuro felt a sharp pain coming from her chest.

It was as if her own worries were speaking right in front of her.

Even though she knew it was a fake, she was shocked that this had

taken on Shidou's form.

──Actually, apart from this, it was not the case that Mukuro wished to confess to Shidou. Shidou accepted Mukuro and told her to be family. For Mukuro, that was all that she wanted. She had no other cravings beyond that.

So why did Mukuro want the right to confess──it was because she didn't want anyone else to

use it.

Mukuro loves Shidou and that's why she wished for him to stay the same. She didn't want to

become a spectator that could only look onward at him. But could right now Mukuro stand in front of Shidou?

She had no intention of denying Nia's methods. It was common practice to form an alliance

during these battles. The attitude of trying one's best in surviving was also rather beautiful. But──this didn't match Mukuro's style. It was no more than that.

"Wait...wait! What are you doing Natssun! When a fake is exposed

shouldn't the first instinct

be to run away or accept defeat!? Why are you trying to cajole Mukku-chin!?"

"...Ha, like I said. I already knew it would be exposed. But I also reckon that Mukuro wouldn't agree with Nia's practices. ──Mukuro! Be more honest with yourself!"

"Stooooooop saying that with boy's voice! Don't be fooled Mukku- chin! Let's take over the world together!"

"──Nia, Nia."

As Maria tapped Nia's shoulders with her fingertips, Nia glared back in annoyance. "What is it Maria! Can't you see I'm busy right now!?"

"Perhaps, but it is an emergency."

"No, I know that! Maria, help me persuade Mukku-chin!?" "No, that's not it. It's another matter."

"...Eh?"

Nia raised her brow upon hearing what Maria had said.

"Hey, hey..."

Seemingly aware of what this was, Natsumi, who was still transformed as Shidou, made a small smile.

"...Aah, sorry Mukuro. Don't be too concerned. Take what I just

said with a grain of salt. It

was just──to buy enough time!' "What...?" "Eh...?"

Mukuro tilted her head in confusion. As if matching that, Nia also raised her brow in suspicion. Then, Natsumi slowly pointed them to the direction of the sky.

Guided by this, both Mukuro and Nia looked up── "Mun──" "Ah..."

After seeing those figures that appeared there before long, both of them widened their eyes in alarm.

But it was no wonder. Because over there was── "Ku, ku, ku...how dare you, how dare you!"

"Indignation. Prepare...to steel yourself."

Wrapped in battered Astral Dresses, both Kaguya and Yuzuru had furious expressions marking their faces.

"Kya...Kaguyan, Yuzurun...!? Weren't you beaten by the Maria Battalion...why are you here──"

Nia stopped while in the middle of talking.

Perhaps she had noticed it just like Mukuro. ──The upper part of a nearby tree had transformed into a signboard that marked "Nia is here→".

There was only one Spirit who could do this. Nia's face turned pale while looking at Natsumi. "Na...Nattsuuuun!"

"Ahaha...I investigated that Kaguya and Yuzuru haven't dropped out yet. If I do this beforehand, of course they would be coming for revenge."

As Natsumi said this, a book-like Angel appeared in her hand. ──An imitation of through . Apparently, she had used this to confirm that the Yamai sisters were still safe.

"H-how devious Nattsun! You don't have the mettle to fight with your own strength!"

"What nonsense, you don't say!"

"Retaliation. Will not be merciful. It is a grave offense to hinder our duel, repay with your body." Kaguya and Yuzuru let out a scream of anger as they kicked against the sky to attack Nia. "Kya────! Help me Maria──────!"

While letting out a sad scream, Nia fled to the gap in-between the trees.

Soon after, sounds of sorrow and anger were heard coming from the woods and then followed by the sound of trees were being

mowed down by the strong wind pressure──a moment later, it finally

quieted it down. It was unclear if Nia had been punished or if she had

escaped, but there weren't any signs of the Yamai sisters returning. "...Mun."

Mukuro let out a small sigh while walking towards Natsumi, who was still transformed as Shidou.

"...!"

Natsumi's shoulders trembled as she made a posture as if resigning

to defeat.

"...Well, it turned out like this. ...Alright. After all, I was the one who instigated this first. Even if I am defeated, I'll still try my best to use up all of my reiryoku."

Natsumi spoke while at the same time giving up. Mukuro stared at Natsumi, spreading out her hands to hug her body.

"Wha...huh? Wait...?"

From the unexpected act, the voice that Natsumi let out was full of confusion. Mukuro gently sighed before whispering.

"──Granted that thou were talking to stall for time, it made Muku wake up. That is a certainly not false. Muku thanks you. Muku wants to obtain a victory that can be proudly felt from the bottom of the heart."

Mukuro spoke as she released Natsumi.

"──Even if an imposter, Muku cannot turn her blade at Nushi-sama again. ──If seen once more, it would be wise to show up in another

visage. At that time, Muku will go all out."

Mukuro smiled as she kicked against the ground and leaped into

the sky. ──Searching for a

battlefield that matched her full strength.

"..., ..., ..."

Left alone, Natsumi couldn't even breathe for a while. Her heart

was pulsating so violently that it

seemed it might break through her ribs. Her fingertips were numb and even her vision was blurry.

"...Haaaaaaaah..."

Until Mukuro's figure couldn't be seen anymore, Natsumi finally let

out a huge sigh. At the

same time, Natsumi's body released a faint glow, changing back from

her Shidou disguise to her original appearance.

"...Somethings a bit off today. How many times have I narrowly avoided death now...? Seriously, I thought that this time for sure I would have to retire..."

While saying that, Natsumi closely examined and patted her body.

──Ruminating over the

aftertaste of being hugged by Mukuro.

"....Those boobs are too big."

Natsumi muttered as she quickly escaped into bushes in order to not be discovered by the other Spirits.

◇◇◇

"Ha... , ha...!"

Nia ran out breath while running through the woodland path where trees grew in abundance.

From behind, there were the sounds of the storm Kaguya and Yuzuru summoned and the collision of countless Marias.

That's right. Thanks to asking Maria to contain the Yamai sisters, Nia was able to survive. Despite saying that, she was still not safe. Even through a surprise attack, the Yamai sisters

couldn't be completely defeated. Even if there was more Marias, it would be difficult to stop them. Once the wall of Marias was broken, Kaguya and Yuzuru would surely catch up to her with their speed

being the fastest among the Spirits. Then, everything would wrap up in a single volume.

That was why Nia was in a hurry. ──To find a new partner to replace Mukuro. "Who is left now...!? Tell me Rasielmon...!" Nia screamed as appeared, keeping her feet focused on escaping as she traced the page without stopping.

In terms of espionage, was extremely useful. There must be surviving Spirits. If possible, she hoped for the sort of Spirit already fatigued from fighting. Because of that, she would be more likely to seek help. Although there was people who disliked a united front out of personal creed like Mukuro, there was no one who

wouldn't want 's power. If she could skillfully negotiate──

──Just at that moment. "Uwah!"

Nia, who was running while thinking this over, suddenly collided into something, falling onto her backside.

For a moment, she thought it was wood or something like

that──but that wasn't it. What Nia felt

was softer yet flexible.

"It hurts; it hurts...what the heck──"

Then, Nia suddenly stopped speaking.

She had noticed the true identity of what she had struck.

"──Ara, ara, Nia-san. Why are you in such a rush?"

White skin and black hair unevenly tied on both ends, adorned on her body was a beautiful red and black Astral Dress decorated with a cross.

The girl standing there, with an unmistakable clock-piece on her eye, smiled gracefully.

"────!"

Her expression gentle, her voice soft, but Nia felt the illusion of ice being shoved behind her back.

"K-Kurumin..." "Yes, yes."

As Nia called that name with a trembling voice, that girl──Tokisaki

Kurumi nodded in a playful manner.

"Now then, even though I don't really like fighting. If there is an

encounter, we must fight.

──That is the law of this battlefield."

Kurumi said sadly in a playful manner. Nia responded with "haha, nice joke" in a low voice. "In any case, let me ask you first. Any last words?"

"Eh, uh, Kurumin. Let me ask, do you want to team up with me──" "──What would that be for?"

After that, the Spirit, holding the same as Nia, revealed a

sadistic smile.

───Remaining Spirits, 8 out of 10.

◇◇◇

"...There's Nia." "Confirmation. It is Nia."

After Kaguya and Yuzuru repelled the army of Maria, they looked

down at the forest road, looking at a woman lying on the ground and mumbling like a squashed frog.

Her toes would occasionally still twitch as her Astral Dress was left in a half-naked state. She seems to have fainted, although she still sometimes groaned as if caught in a nightmare. It was a spectacular defeat.

"Halfway through, the Marias disappeared. Could it be that...she was beaten by someone outside of us?"

"Conjecture. That is probably the case. Of course, a rebellion from Maria also cannot be denied."

"Ah──..."

Kaguya muttered out "That's also not impossible." in frustration as

she stamped on the ground with her feet.

"Awful...who was it? That person has stolen our prey. I still want to take revenge."

"Sigh. It can't be helped. It has nothing to do with anyone who has

defeated Nia."

"That's also true...aah, she's fallen asleep so leisurely."

"Caution. An Astral Dress has not manifested, indicating that Nia has been eliminated. I understand the feeling of wanting revenge, but it is against the rules to harm a dropout."

"I, I know that."

After listening to what Yuzuru had said, Kaguya exercised a bit of restraint against her fervor.

"..."

"..."

Kaguya and Yuzuru gazed briefly at Nia's back. Then, they raised

their heads at the same time to look at each other.

"──Now then, there shouldn't be any more inconveniences." "Agreement. There's no method of lowering a raised fist in this

state."

"In that case." "Of course."

Kaguya and Yuzuru laughed at the same time, kicking off at the

ground to gain some distance while holding their respective Angels.

Kaguya grasped her huge assault lance . Yuzuru steered her pendulum .

The two weapons that made up the fastest Angel both had tiny cracks on the surface from the fierce battle between these two.

No, not only that. Both the bound coat Astral Dress and wings on their shoulders were torn to shreds everywhere, revealing faint particles of reiryoku from the cross-section.

Both could understand that they were close to their limits without exchanging any words. Needless to say, there was no choice but to continue fighting against each other. Although they

didn't know the status of the other Spirits, it was difficult to imagine

that there was anyone left in

perfect condition. In that case, the possibility of the Yamai sisters winning together was not zero.

──But both Kaguya and Yuzuru didn't hesitate for a moment to

take the former choice.

Certainly, the right to confess to Shidou was very attractive. Even for Kaguya and Yuzuru, they wished to convey the thoughts lingering in their hearts to Shidou. Bashfulness, the fear of anticipating what reply would be received, and concerns about the others. The accumulation of all of this, it was an important feeling that was carefully stored. The opportunity to reveal all of this was truly precious.

But above all else.

The chance that an existence sharing the same blood and could be called their other half may be

defeated by someone else──the mere possibility couldn't be tolerated. "──Let's go, Yuzuru."

"Accepting challenge. That's just what I want."

The two kicked their feet against the ground at the same time.

In an instant, the surrounding trees creaked. The ground slightly trembled as a shockwave was generated shortly afterwards.

Even if there was a witness for this match, they would only be able to feel the movements of those two from the changes in the surroundings.

In that regard──Kaguya and Yuzuru's speed was so fast that it was

almost impossible to

completely see that their reiryoku was about to reach its limit.

However, the pair correctly grasped each other's movements.

Numerous collisions were felt as

each compressed their consciousness to the limit.

Kaguya pulled out and rotated it like a drill. Then, Yuzuru spun around to generate a whirlpool. As the two forces collided against each other, both Angels were blown away.

"Fu──!"

"──Tch!"

However, the two of them didn't stop. Kaguya and Yuzuru infused

reiryoku into their clenched

fist, slamming it against each other with great force.

With their arms crossed against each other, both landed a direct hit on the other.

"Ka, ah...!"

"An…..guish..."

A terrifying shockwave burst at where the two landed their punches. In a single breath, their already ruined Astral Dresses were blown away.

Left in a semi-naked state, both Kaguya and Yuzuru swayed and fell on their backs. Lying side by side like two huge characters, both of their heads were next to each other. "Haah...haah..." "...Fu──ha..."

For a while, the chests of those two violently contracted and expanded as the sounds of heavy breathing dominated the area. Then, when the two finally calmed down──Kaguya laughed loudly towards the sky. "Hahahahaha...ah~ah...of course it turned out like this. Although I seriously thought for a

moment that I could win..."

Then, as if to match her, Yuzuru also laughed.

"Ehh? You as well? Having said that, now it's..."

"Estimate. With the exception of after the sealing, it is now 100

matches, 25 wins, 25

loses──and 50 draws."

As Yuzuru said that, Kaguya laughed once again.

"Next time──I will definitely win."

"Impudent. I'll return those words wholly intact right back at you."

Kaguya and Yuzuru looked towards each other, swaying their arms up to bump fists with each other.

───Remaining Spirits, 6 out of 10.

◇◇◇

After talking for a while in-between the rows of cherry blossoms, they went towards a dessert shop nearby the road.

Although there were numerous factors in playing too much that caused them to take a break, the main reason was because while playing, Tohka's stomach...began to grumble. Since none of them formally had a full-fledged lunch, they walked to nearby store to fill their bellies first.

The décor of the shop was quite stylish. In front of the store, there was a vermillion carpet covering long benches and an open-air umbrella. Coupled with the falling cherry blossoms, it created a very scenic landscape. While being integrated as part of this scenery, they were waiting for their meal to be delivered here.

"──Ah."

Then, a cherry blossom carried by the wind fell softly onto Shidou's

glass of green tea, drawing

small ripples on the surface of the hot water.

While watching this occur, Tohka, who was sitting beside him, rounded her eyes wide.

"Ooh, the cherry blossoms danced onto Shidou's teacup! Muu,

how beautiful...why don't you come to my tea cup as well?"

"Haha, I guess you have to ask the cherry blossoms in that regard." "──Humph."

Just as Shidou was speaking, Tenka gently huffed from her nose.

In that moment, a breeze rolled up as two cherry blossoms floated onto Tohka's teacup. "Ooh! It came to me! And there are two of them!"

"...Tenka, what did you do just now?" "What do you mean?"

As Shidou asked while sweating, Tenka averted her eyes as if to play

dumb. ...Her expression

seemed too unnatural. Here was her world; it wasn't difficult to

achieve something like this.

Of course, even so it was a waste of effort to even pursue this question. As long as Tohka was happy, it was good for the time being. Judging it to be like this, Shidou forced a smile without pushing the issue further.

"──I've kept you waiting──"

Then, a clerk dressed in Japanese clothes came arrived with a tray

filled with dishes. Tohka's

face brightened in response to that voice.

"Ooh, you've arrived! I've been waiting so long!"

The store likely didn't expect such a huge welcome. The other

party smiled happily while placing the dishes on the long table.

Seeing the round candy on the plate, Tohka's eyes also widened

like an open circle to match the sweet.

"Ooh!? What is this Shidou──"

"It's sakuramochi. The faint shade of pink is really beautiful. There's also red bean paste inside."

"Hoho, cherry blossoms...imitating the color of that flower. I see, it's beautiful. So what is

this?"

While saying that, Tohka pointed to another dish that was near Tenka. The shape was slightly different from the Japanese sweets placed under Tohka.

The ones by Tohka were round shape while the ones near Tenka were more resembling flat dough wrapped in a cylindrical shape.

"Aah, the ones by Tenka are also sakuramochi." "What? But the shape seems quite different."

"Doumyōji and Chōmeiji──in short it's between Kansai and Kyoto

styles. Since it's rare to get both of them side by side like this, how about a taste comparison?"

"Ooh, that sounds good. Let's eat them right away!" "──Wait."

As Tohka spoke in a cheerful voice, Tenka took the plate holding

cherry blossoms to the side while staring at Shidou.

"What's wrong, Tenka?"

"Isn't there a leaf stuck on this confectionary? You bastard, you

want Tohka to eat something like this?"

She spoke while pointing to the leaf on the surface of the cherry leaf cake. Understanding where this worry was coming from, Shidou couldn't help but smile.

"I'm sure it must seem strange at first. Its cherry blossom leaves

pickled in salt. Rest assured its edible──" "...Is that true?"

"Of course, it's true──mugu!?"

Suddenly, Shidou stopped speaking. No──to be more precise, he had been forcibly stopped. "In that case, let's have you taste it first then."

And so, Tenka thrusted the cherry leaf cake into Shidou's mouth. "...! ...!?"

He was startled by the sudden occurrence, but as Tenka's eyes look on in suspicion, he was able to somehow calm down his breathing and swallow the cherry leaf cake thrown into his mouth. Whether fortunately or unfortunately, the cherry leaf cake itself tasted delicious.

On the side, Tohka pouted in dissatisfaction.

"Muu, it's too unfair if only Tenka gets to feed Shidou. ──Shidou, I also want to feed you as well!"

"...!?"

While speaking, Tohka stabbed a cherry leaf cake with a toothpick and offered it to Shidou.

Receiving another one just after somehow swallowing Tenka's sakuramochi── "….................... "

──Why aren't you eating Tohka's cherry leaf cake? Do you want to die? With such words were being conveyed through Tenka's glare, he couldn't refuse at all. Without any better options, he reluctantly took in a second cake into his mouth.

"Ooh, how is it Shidou, is it delicious!?" "..., ..."

Not being able to open his mouth anytime soon, all he could do was

smile to show affirmation. Then, Tohka responded with a satisfied smile.

"Umu, so it was good! Then Tenka, let's have some as well!" "...Hmm."

It seemed halfway against her will even after using Shidou for poison

testing. But Tohka eventually agreed and stabbed the cherry leaf cake with the toothpick.

However, at that moment she stopped her hand as she watched Tohka press her hands together.

"Itadakimasu!" " "

Tenka put the already picked up sakuramochi back on the plate and

mimicked Tohka by placing her hands together.

"Itadakimasu."

Then, after speaking in the same manner as Tohka, she looked closely at the sweet before tossing it into her mouth.

On the other side, having already hastily eaten one, Tohka's eyes

began to widen.

"! Ooh, this is delicious...! There's a little salty taste in the sweetness and it smells nice and

pleasant...it's my first time eating something like this!" "Haha, I'm glad you liked it. ──How about you, Tenka?" "...Not bad."

As Shidou asked, Tenka replied while looking away.

Although her eyes remained sharp and her tone stayed blunt, it was difficult to fully cover up the satisfaction in her expression.

One beat later, he slowly began to understand. Tenka's responses

were marked with the same

distrust of humans that Tohka had when they first met.

"........ "

At the same time, Shidou was also aware that──although Tenka's behavior was a bit rude; she wasn't the type of Spirit who would rewrite the world for personal gain.

"..... What is it human? Is there any complaints?"

"Ah, no..."

Apparently, he had been staring at Tenka for a bit without saying a word. As if to gloss it over,

Shidou quickly looked away. Seemingly in line with this, a cherry leaf cake inserted onto a

toothpick was handed over from Shidou's right side.

"Tenka! This sakuramochi is also delicious. Come and try it!" "...Mu."

Her eyes lowered to the sakuramochi that was being presented. In

turn she also stabbed another mochi with the toothpick and offered it to Tohka.

Inevitably, the shape of two hands crossed together appeared in front of Shidou's eyes. "Ooh, thank you!"

Tohka's entire face brightened as she drew her mouth closer to the confectionary that was being offered. Then, in a similar fashion, Tenka also bit into the mochi offered by Tohka offered as well.

Just in front of his face, two identical people were happily chewing on dessert. From this strange

scene, Shidou couldn't help but strain a wry smile.

"Muu...! This one is delicious as well! The different texture from the previous one also tastes great!"

"...Hmm, I see."

As Tohka smiled while nodding, Tenka pursed her eyebrows up while having a somewhat difficult look on her face. Although both expressions where different, it was easy to tell that both were satisfied.

Then── "...!?"

The next moment, the sound of something exploding was heard in

the distance. Shidou's body

trembled as he turned to that direction. "W-what was that sound

just now..."

"──Don't mind it."

In contrast to Shidou who was astonished, Tohka spoke in a nonchalant manner.

"Those participating in being nosy are a bit in too high spirits. Just keep continuing this date with

Tohka."

"Eh? Tenka, just now was──"

Shidou looked at Tenka while being confused. Certainly, as she was

now, it wasn't strange to

know everything occurring in this world. However, the ones who were nosy were... Then, as Shidou was thinking that over, his hand was suddenly tightly held by Tohka. "Tohka?"

He looked on Tohka in astonishment. But Tohka didn't seem

bothered by the explosion just now as she gently smiled at him.

"──Shidou, can you leave what's next to me? There are many

places in the city that I want to show Tenka." "O-of course you can, but..."

"This way! Let's go. Come, Shidou, grab Tenka's hand."

While saying that, Tohka stood up from the bench. Shidou looked on at Tenka, widening his

eyes as if saying 'eh?'. But Tenka pouted while glaring back. "Like I said, it doesn't matter. You two should──"

"──Don't say it doesn't matter. ...This opportunity will never happen again."

As if to interrupt Tenka, Tohka gave a sad smile.

"────"

Seeing that, Shidou felt as if his heart had been tightly squeezed.

Then next moment, Shidou left hand was grabbed. Whatever caused the direction of the winds to change, Tenka, who was

showing a look of disapproval beforehand, had taken the initiative to grab his hand herself.

"...Humph. If you want to go, hurry up human. The date time is limited."

"A-aah..."

Shidou was pulled up by both Tohka and Tenka. Mysteriously, it was a completely reversal of when he previously took the lead to take them to the rows of cherry blossoms.

Noticing this, Tohka's eyes brighten even more. "Okay, let's set off.

So first is here!"

While speaking, Tohka moved forward at a brisk pace. Tenka also moved her feet to keep up with Tohka. His right hand was gently pulled while his left hand was a bit roughly towed.

"..."

As Shidou was being led by these two through the rows of cherry blossoms, his mind wandered back to what Tohka had said earlier.

──This opportunity will never happen again.

This probably meant that Tohka and Tenka would never have the opportunity to be present again at the same time.

But why──

For a moment, those words he heard seemed to have another meaning.

◇◇◇

"Are you okay, Miku-san..."

"Well──don't worry about it. She seems to have just lost consciousness."

As Yoshino asked in concern, her reply was answered vaguely by Yoshinon, who remained lodged inside .

Yoshino was riding on , slowly moving through the park with an unconscious Miku behind her. The Astral Dress thought to be broken was once again on her body.

Yes. Yoshino's reiryoku had not been completely exhausted. She

had let Miku assume that by

temporarily releasing her Angel and Astral Dress.

While Yoshino was distracting Miku's attention, she remotely

controlled a reemerged to attack her from behind.

...Honestly, that may not have been a praiseworthy method, but

the current Miku was not to be underestimated.

Yoshino, who had a difficult but successful victory, was in the process of moving the now half- naked Miku to a safe spot.

"Un...unn...it's no good Yoshino-san. Nothing will come out even if you suck that

much..." "Kya...!"

Then, while listening to those words being muttered in her sleep, a

hand suddenly extended out

from behind to grope Yoshino's body, causing her shoulders to

involuntarily tremble.

At the same time, these vibrations were transmitted to the threads

steering . Miku's

body subsequently fell off from .

"S-sorry...!"

Yoshino, descended down from in a flustered state, carrying Miku, who had her face planted on the ground, onto

's back once more. ...In fact, this had been the third time this exchange has happened. Each time they walked just a few steps, Miku would sleep-talk and not let go of Yoshino.

"Hmm──has Miku-chan really fainted? Isn't it forbidden to touch

us?"

"Fu...fu..."

Even as Yoshinon asked, Miku merely continued to sleep peacefully.

...Generally speaking, it was perhaps doubtful whether or not Miku was truly sleeping. But Yoshino, who had seen Miku's awful sleeping posture with her own eyes at the 's

lounge room, could only force a smile at the sight. They had to find a suitable place before her sleeping posture worsens.

"Ah..."

After going on for a while, Yoshino discovered a place similar to a resting area. There were wooden benches and tables covered by a simple roof.

would protect those who had been eliminated, so it should be no problem to leave her here for now. After considering that over, Yoshino dropped Miku off from and placed her on the bench.

Then──

"...? Sff, sff..."

For some reason, Miku's nose kept sniffing as her body rolled down

from the bench as she squirmed on the ground.

"Miku-san...?"

"Truly a ridiculous sleeping posture...I say where is she going?"

As Yoshino and Yoshinon looked on in surprise, Miku's legs came to a halt──leaping towards a streetlight near the rest area. And without changing posture, she gave a passionate kiss to the streetlight!

"M-Miku-san, what are you doing...!?"

Yoshino hurriedly moved to pull Miku away from the streetlight.

But at the very next second.

"Gyaah────────!?"

With a high-pitched scream, the streetlight Miku was holding onto gave off a glow, transforming into a young girl.

"N-natsumi-san!?"

Recognizing the appearance of that girl, Yoshino couldn't help but instinctively round her eyes

open and call out that girl's name.

Natsumi cursed her own carelessness.

...No, originally, Natsumi would have cursed Miku's monster

sense of smell when asleep. But

out of fear of a rebound curse, she instead chose to curse herself.

──After succeeding in eliminating the cooperative relationship between Mukuro and Nia, Natsumi's next course of action was to make a copy of through in order to search for the movements of the other Spirits.

Natsumi's first concern was the holders of , Nia and

Kurumi. Natsumi's Angel showed its true worth through using subterfuge and disguises to exploit the weakness of her opponents. However, because of the spoilers from the omniscient Angel , her Angel would have no effect.

Nia could expose Natsumi's true identity in an instant. For Natsumi, Nia's powers could be described as her natural enemy. As long as

remained on the battlefield, even if she had transformed to

hide herself, she couldn't be caught off guard at any time.

That was the reason why Natsumi wanted to eliminate the alliance between Mukuro and Nia. Because the two of them were going to intervene on Yoshino and Miku's battle──that part was also true.

However, it was simply too dangerous for Natsumi to ignore a two- man team that could understand the entire battlefield through Nia and dispatch troops anywhere through Mukuro.

(...Ah, Nia was defeated by Kurumi. But Kurumi is almost completely uninjured...how troublesome...)

As she was confirming the situation in the rest area of the

park──from there she could hear the

sound resembling the rustling of grass being pushed aside.

(...!)

Looking there, she could see the tip of a huge rabbit ear over the

bushes. ──No doubt about it. It was Yoshino's .

The other side seemed to have not noticed her yet, but it seemed she was approaching the rest area.

(Ku...)

If a bad move was made, she may be noticed. After thinking it over, Natsumi decided to activate

to transform herself into a streetlight.

She didn't want to make any sudden surprise attacks. Moreover,

Natsumi wanted to avoid

fighting Yoshino. As long as Yoshino lacked , this should be

possible──

...And so, such details had transpired towards the present. "...Aah, really!"

Natsumi frowned as she tried to push Miku's cheeks away.

Although Miku was clinging on with great strength, it couldn't match Natsumi now that she had a complete Astral Dress equipped, causing her to tumble down a roll backwards.

"Aaan...Natsumi-san is so unkind..."

Miku muttered out loud while sleep-talking. She was definitely asleep, yet her personality quirks

still affected everyone else. Natsumi's body trembled as she turned to face Yoshino. "...Yoshino."

Natsumi called out her name.

...But Natsumi delayed her next words, because it was clear what

would be said afterward.

Originally, this was a battlefield, a place where Spirits would fight against each other. After an encounter, no words were necessary for the usual outcome of the battle.

However, if possible, she didn't want to encounter Yoshino. She really didn't want to face a

gentle and sacred Goddess like Yoshino. If Yoshino wanted to the right to confess to Shidou,

there was a small feeling in Natsumi's heart of not wanting to disturb that even if it was only a little.

In Natsumi's mind, it was not as if she didn't have the desire to convey her feelings to Shidou. However, it must have been trifle when compared to the feelings that Yoshino had. Besides, even Shidou would be happier with a confession for Yoshino or the other Spirits than from Natsumi.

That's right. Even if eliminated here, it wouldn't matter. It wouldn't be bad thing for Yoshino, she must understand that. After deciding that, Natsumi began to consume reiryoku in order to make this as painless as possible──

──But. "..."

As she was about to speak, Natsumi couldn't help but hold her

breath as those thoughts lingered in her mind.

The reason was simple. Yoshino kicked off the ground to land back on on the side.

"You haven't been eliminated yet, Natsumi-san. ──I'm so happy."

Then, while smiling, she began to assume a fighting stance.

"Eh, wait...Yoshino──"

The unexpected militant response caused Natsumi to wince.

No way, to consider that the gentle Yoshino would say such a thing.

Was it the atmosphere of the battlefield that caused people to

change? Or was it the desire for the right to confess to Shidou──

"..."

Thinking of this, Natsumi bit into her lips.

Maybe there was no reason. But it could be seen from Yoshino's expression──fighting against

Natsumi would make her happy.

For an instant──Natsumi remembered the words that she had just

said.

(──I don't regret my actions. Even if I am defeated here, I am satisfied. ──What about you Mukuro? Being manipulated by Nia and surviving until the very end, even if you get the right to confess could you stand proudly in front of Shidou?)

Those words were just nonsense she said to stall for time until the Yamai sisters arrived.

However, her remarks seemed to have attracted Mukuro's

attention. Listening to herself say that...it felt as if she was already

proud of grasping victory from the bottom of her heart.

──Then what about Natsumi? Was she really going to contradict her own words──? "...Aah, really, shit, shit. ...This isn't like me at all..."

As Natsumi spat those words out unsatisfactorily, a broom-like Angel

manifested──twirling in

the air before she pointed it at Yoshino.

"...Spirit ・Natsumi. Angel──. ──Let us begin the match." Then, she declared so while holding down the cap of her Astral Dress.

"...!"

Yoshino smiled happily while letting move forward as a response.

"Spirit ・Yoshino. Angel──. ──Challenge accepted."

◇◇◇

──Who was the strongest among the Spirits.

When asked such a question, who would be the name that everyone would choose.

Judgement criteria may vary when describing the strongest. Those who are skilled at manipulating reiryoku. Those with a powerful Angel. Those who are skillful at

strategizing──surely each person was a king in their respective fields, and the outcome of this battle would be determined by these

various complex factors. Who was the 'strongest' was not something

so easily defined.

"Ku──"

──However, when only a one on one battle is assumed, among those competed for the summit, she couldn't count the number of times Tobiichi Origami would qualify. Looking at the light gathering towards a single location from every direction, such a thought passed through Kotori's mind.

Possessing a huge amount of reiryoku, the Angel of light destroyed everything. Moreover──she had the most practical combat experience among the Spirits, possessing the talent of a Wizard along with the enormous power of being a Spirit.

Having said that── "...!"

Kotori wasn't an opponent that would shut up silently. Kotori screamed the name of her Angel, manipulating the edge of her flaming war-axe to shoot down countless parts of dispersed in the sky.

"──Fu──"

Each time, Origami would summon a new to continuously emit rays of light. However, even for someone as strong as Origami, her reiryoku was not inexhaustible. Then moment she runs out of reiryoku and disappears──that would be the chance for Kotori to strike.

However, that would only work if Kotori's reiryoku doesn't exhaust

itself first. The rays of

pierced through her Astral Dress, Angel, and limbs several times. Although

revived her body each time with its healing flame, her

regenerative ability wouldn't

be able to exert itself either if her reiryoku was exhausted.

Anyhow, both of them put all of their effort into this fight. An intense fist fight to see which side would run out of stamina first.

"Tch──"

Halfway through the fight, Kotori clicked her tongue in frustration.

The battle situation was almost equal──despite wanting to say

that, in actuality Origami was beginning to prevail.

The reason was likely because of their different human combat abilities.

and are both powerful Angels. Although their specialties and authorities differ, it can be said that their power output was comparable to each other.

However, compared to Kotori who has seen far more desk work unsuited for her physical age on a regular basis, Origami had trained regularly and experienced numerous battles. The difference in their current limits appeared there.

"Just a bit more──I've also trained diligently."

Kotori frowned as she swung , the blade of flames swept through the air, incinerating

one by one the 'feathers' of that released beams of light.

However, a single feather that escaped the attack released a beam of light that slammed against

Kotori's abdomen. "Ku...!"

Kotori's face distorted in agony as she moved to strike down that 'feather'.

Feeling a scorching sensation, her wounded belly and Astral Dress began to regenerate as she glared at Origami.

──The mightiest opponent, the Spirit of light that could mow down

thousands.

However, Kotori couldn't afford to retreat. Because──

"...Leave it to your little sister, no matter how you plan to confess to Onii-chan──I absolutely won't allow it!"

Kotori screamed, kicking against the sky towards Origami while swinging with both hands.

In an instant, countless parts of pointed their tips at Kotori, launching a fierce attack without any reservation. If they continued this war of attrition, Kotori would be the first to run out of reiryoku. Then, currently while she still has enough reiryoku for regeneration, it was necessary to land a decisive blow on Origami──

──But, at that moment. "Wha...!?"

An unexpected feeling at her chest, Kotori couldn't help but raise her

voice in a panic.

For a moment, she thought that she had been attacked by

at a blind spot──but that wasn't it. Looking at it, she saw a 'hole' opened in the void, as a key-shaped object appeared from there to stab her chest.

There was no pain. But the moment her brain recognized this fact, Kotori cursed her own carelessness.

It was Mukuro's . Because she was distracted by

Origami, she didn't notice it until she was attacked. "Ku──"

If the key turned and her power was 'sealed', then defeat would be decided in an instant. Kotori desperately twisted her body to escape from . But it seemed it was too late──!

But.

"──."

The voice heard from the other side of the 'hole' was bit different than what she had expected. "Huh...?"

The next moment, Kotori felt the power in her body swell up. She

could see 's movements far better than before. Kotori twisted her body, dodging all of the beams of light and retreating to behind Origami.

"This is..."

──No doubt about it. This was not but that rather

which released the hidden

power of the target. Kotori was once granted this power during the battle against Westcott.

"──"

As Kotori was staring at her own palm, she heard Origami let out a sigh from up front.

Looking on, she could see that the tip of had struck

Origami's body just as it did to

her.

After that, just as it had occurred with Kotori──the instant the key turned; the reiryoku emitted from Origami's body increased.

"...Mukuro."

Origami raised her brow in suspicion as she asked to the empty sky.

Then, as if in response to that voice, a bigger 'hole' than before

opened as Mukuro appeared from there.

The Astral Dress covering her body was a bit different than normal.

She looked like a fierce military leader that had liberated her own power as well through . In her hands,

had also changed shape from a khakkhara to a halberd.

"Mun. Please excuse the obstruction. Firstly, apologizes for the

impolite unforeseen attack.

──Even if Muku told usage of prior, Muku doesn't believe she would be trusted with confidence."

"What are you intending to do?"

Hearing Origami's question, Mukuro gave an exaggerated nod.

"──As it is known, there is no satisfaction in defeating an opponent

that is already weary. With

this, everyone can fight at their best. Come, it matters not if both attack together." While saying that, Mukuro smiled fearlessly as she prepared . " "

Origami, who judged the battle situation in an instant, prepared to open fire from at both Kotori and Mukuro.

Kotori let out a long breath, then raised her voice───while

's flames were burning all over her body.

"──Fine. I'll teach both of you the power of a little sister."

◇◇◇

"──!"

With a scream, Natsumi raised and used to change its shape.

gave off a glow as its silhouette changed into a huge battle axe. ──. Holding Kotori's Angel of fire, she swept the flames to attack Yoshino who was riding .

"Yoshino!" "Yeah!"

Yoshino manipulated to create an ice wall. 's

edge cleaved the barrier right in the middle, but despite melting the

attack didn't reach Yoshino. Earlier Yuzuru had avoided all of

Natsumi's attacks through her swiftness, but Yoshino was able to

stop the entire blow with her heavy ice wall.

It would be different matter, if the original master Kotori was using the real , but Natsumi could only achieve this much.

No matter how convenient, a sham would remain a sham. ──Truly

an Angel worthy for

someone like herself. Natsumi gave a self-depreciating laugh in the middle of the battle.

"But...even a counterfeit has its own way of fighting!"

Natsumi shouted as she lifted the huge axe in her hands.

Then, shined once more──this time transforming into a

huge rabbit puppet.

Yes. She had copied the exact same that Yoshino was riding.

"Eh...!?"

"Kya! Yoshinon's long lost twin!?"

Surprised by this sight, Yoshino and Yoshino both let out an astonished voice.

"Burst forward, !"

Natsumi controlled the pseudo to release a barrage of enormous ice bullets.

"Ku──"

To prevent this, Yoshino generated a new ice wall. But her earlier surprise delayed her timing. Huge chucks of ice collided against each other, scattering around as sparkling grains of ice.

It was for an instant. But during that instant, the ice walls protecting Yoshino had shattered. It was a slight gap, but the chance for victory opened up for Natsumi.

"──!"

With a cry, changed shape once more.

──A huge bow shaped like a pair of wings, an arrow that could pierce through anything, and chains that served as string to hold everything together.

The Yamai sister's , the shape that appeared when both sisters combined their Angels. "Ooooooooooh──!"

Natsumi screamed as she pulled the bowstring with all of her strength. After aiming for the head of , Natsumi fired the arrow.

──At that moment.

From the tip of the arrow, a tremendous wind pressure blew away the surrounding trees, the nearby resting area, and Miku who was still unconscious.

The spiraling whirlpool of reiryoku generating this wind mowed down everything in its path as it went towards and Yoshino.

It would be impossible to stop this with an ice wall now.

However── "...... !?"

Narrowing her eyes at the spiraling gale, Natsumi could't help but hold her breath.

That's right. The moment she thought had reached its

target, the figure of disappeared suddenly.

"Wha──"

In less than the blink of an eye, Natsumi quickly understood.

had not disappeared──

Instead, it had compressed itself to the limit.

"──...!"

Yoshino dressed in silver armor, and sacrificing a portion of that armor to receive the blow from

, quickly approached Natsumi.

"Ku...!"

In a flurry, Natsumi tried to activate , but── "──Aaaaah!" Her Astral Dress was completely torn apart by the blizzard vortex that Yoshino had brought out.

───Remaining Spirits, 5 out of 10. "...Ha…..., ha..."

Yoshino gasped for air, her shoulders shaking as her knees hit the ground.

Covering her entire body in the silver armor──, the parts

on the left side of her head and shoulder had been split open. Originally, she wanted to rebuild the armor for repair, but because Yoshino's reiryoku was reaching its limit, even that was too difficult to manage.

Honestly──it really was a last ditch effort for victory. "Kya! Yoshinon's ear!"

"S-sorry, Yoshinon...I'll fix it later..."

was a form of defense and offense that condense

so that it could be worn over the body. In other words, Yoshinon's consciousness now dwelled in this armor. Although the rabbit puppet main body was safe in Yoshino's pocket, Yoshinon must have felt half of its head and shoulder missing in this current state. Yoshino spoke while gently stroking part of the left rabbit ear.

"Ah──"

As soon as she remembered, Yoshino lifted her head and approached Natsumi, who had collapsed on her back.

"A-are you alright, Natsumi-san?"

"...Ah, aah...yeah, if you eliminate my entire body feeling sore

and being cold enough to freeze to death, then I'm fine..."

Speaking weakly, Natsumi let out an "achooo!" sneeze "Are you really alright?"

As Yoshinon played the role of the calm straight man, Natsumi waved her hand with a smile.

"...I'm really fine. Maybe it's because I was able to use my reiryoku to the limit. Or perhaps because I was able to fight against Yoshino with all of my energy──"

Natsumi laughed before continuing on. "I don't know why...but I feel great."

"Natsumi-san..."

Yoshino gave a gentle smile as she held Natsumi's trembling hand.

Then──

"──Ah, ah, what a beautiful scene. The two sides that fought hard are praising each other's struggles. Watching this truly feels like

washing away at my heart."

The next moment, Yoshino's body trembled as she heard such a

voice coming from behind her. "..." "Kurumi...san."

Yoshino called out that name as a young girl appeared from the shadow on the ground.

──Tokisaki Kurumi. The instigator of this battle and the one called

the worst Spirit.

Seeing her arrival, Natsumi lightly clicked her tongue.

"...What a timely manner to show up. You aimed for our match to finish in order to reel in the

profit of beating the exhausted winner like a fisherman.

Really... how vile."

"Ara, ara. I'm sad that I'm being misunderstood like that."

While saying that enthusiastically, she rubbed her eyes as if wiping

away tears. ──Well, rather

than tears, her face was dyed with a delighted smile not resembling crying in the slightest.

"Whatever the reason or process, the important thing is right now.

Miku-san and Natsumi-san have used up all of their reiryoku and dropped out. Then the ones standing here are only Yoshino-san and myself. ──So isn't there only one thing to do? In fact, I also have a lot of feelings I wish to convey to Shidou-san."

Kurumi spoke while distorting the corners of her lips into a smile.

Covering her entire body with

, a creaking sound was heard as Yoshino stood up.

"...Yoshino."

"Yes. Only option is to press on. ──Kurumi-chan, it's too bad, but

the right to confess to

Shidou-kun will be taken by Yoshino!"

Yoshinon spoke with a voice without any hint of compromise.

Normally, Yoshino would feel bashful hearing those words. ──But only this time, Yoshino gave a vigorous nod to show her agreement to that declaration.

However, Yoshino had very little reiryoku left. was also in a half-broken state. In contrast, Kurumi remained unscathed. The gap between the two was obvious.

However──

"...I won't lose. It is me who will convey my feelings to Shidou- san."

That was why she couldn't retreat here. If she did, she wouldn't' be able to face Miku or Natsumi who tried their best. After breathing a slight sigh, Yoshino propelled her body forward as if like a bullet.

"That's the spirit. ──Now, now, are we starting so soon? Please try

your best. Your opponent is

just the weak me. Though depending on Yoshino-san's efforts, maybe you can win?"

Kurumi said with a beckoning gesture.

"...Aaaaaaaah────────────!"

Yoshino, who covered her entire body with cold air, rushed towards Kurumi.

───Remaining Spirits, 4 out of 10.

◇◇◇

In the sky, a huge melee was on display.

──Origami, Kotori, Mukuro. Three Spirits, each with enormous strength, launched a three-way brawl at full power. Light danced in the sky, flames blew away in the air, and 'holes' opened up in space. Each respective Angel had the power to decide the outcome in a single blow and now that power was flying about chaotically everywhere.

"───"

In a tense situation where even letting her mind falter for a second could mean a fatal injury, Origami calmly analyzed the situation.

Perhaps due to her latent ability being liberated through Mukuro's

, but Origami felt

her thought process become clearer than usual.

The war situation──could roughly be considered in a stalemate.

Although Origami held a more dominant position through

's sheer numbers, Kotori still held the advantage in close combat. And more importantly, she had the ability to regenerate through her flames, which

meant that an incomplete attack wouldn't be able to harm her. Even so, it would be mistake to launch an all-out attack from

until Kotori's reiryoku

is exhausted.

After all, on this battlefield was now Mukuro with her key Angel

. She could open a 'hole' in space that connected any two points in which she desired. That is to say, she could redirect an opponent's attack right back to them. If Origami randomly scattered her light, she was liable of being taken down by her own Angel.

However, if she continued like this, the stalemate would remain endless. Upon deciding that, Origami took a deep breath to concentrate her mind.

"──."

Then, as Origami called out that name──in addition to those already flying in the sky, new 'feathers' emerged.

The total number reached 100. It was a desperate battle strategy that meant exhausting the remaining reiryoku in her body.

"Wha..." "──Mun."

Origami was determined to decide the outcome of this match. Both

Kotori and Mukuro looked on with nervous expressions.

Origami raised her hand to the sky, calling out to give commands to

the countless 'feathers'. "Crush everything, !"

Under Origami's orders, 100 'feathers' flew in the sky while drawing

orbits with light.

, with many more numbers than usual, shot light rays from every direction towards Kotori and Mukuro. Kotori turned around to avoid it, or used «Camael» to knock off the rays, flying in the sky to escape the siege.

Mukuro's actions were similar, but in addition, she used to open the 'holes' in space, shooting the rays of back towards Origami. The beam of light fired from the 'holes' opened in the air, piercing through her Astral Dress, or grazing Origami's legs.

"Guh───"

But, Origami did not dodge. Turning herself into light to evade the attack only meant spending more reiryoku───furthermore, Mukuro's counterattack was within the scope of her plan.

Even if the attack is returned, she can still put in her strength to endure a few more shots.

That's right. Origami's true purpose was not this mass attack.

's attack, until the end was only aimed at drawing the

attention of Kotori and Mukuro, creating the opportunity for a trap.

"───Now."

Just as Kotori swung down and Mukuro pulled out of the air: a moment when both of them just finished using the Angels. Origami's sharp will identified that moment as the rays

emitted from the 'feathers' knit into a net, blocking the exit for both

of them. "Eh...!?" "This is───!"

Kotori and Mukuro choked out when they realized the abnormality.

But──it was too late. With a single breath, Origami swung both of

her hands down. "───!"

In an instant, as if responding to Origami's words, the 'feathers'

formed into a crown above Kotori's and Mukuro's heads, one by one,

pouring down huge pillars of light.

This was Origami's last resort.

The countless attacks of were just a distraction to hide the second attack from

.

"........ !"

"──────!"

Kotori and Mukuro let out a silent scream───as they were

swallowed by the light.

Even if both of them had their powers liberated, they definitely wouldn't be safe after taking a direct hit from . Origami, despite believing in victory, still did not neglect continuously releasing her reiryoku.

However─── "...───...!"

Amidst the flow of glowing reiryoku, looming over a squirming shadow, the next moment a deep

crimson pillar of fire shot straight towards Origami's eyes. "─────────!"

Just in time, Origami turned her body. The position Origami had been standing a second before had been penetrated through by the burning flames. The tremendous heat pierced through the sky

and scotched the skin to the point she thought that her entire body would have been burned, even

without direct contact if she wasn't wearing her Astral Dress. "…..It's...a pity..."

Kotori, who was equipped with transformed into a cannon barrel on one side of her arm, smiled with regret. She left those words as she slowly fell to the ground. ───Her Angel and Astral Dress on her body gradually turned into beautiful particles of light.

An unbelievable endurance and tenacity, Origami couldn't help but admire her. Even when her body was sunk in all-out attack, it was unexpected that she could still counterattack at that level.

"..."

But things haven't ended yet. Feeling new movements, she

immediately twisted her body in the air.

However, because her posture was disrupted by avoiding Kotori's

, her movements were delayed by a second. And so─── "───Nushi-sama───won't deliver to anyone..."

With Mukuro as an opponent, that opportunity was fatal. Mukuro, wearing a battered Astral Dress appeared from the void,

stabbing her cracked Angel forward.

's blade reached Origami's Astral Dress. In the next

moment, Mukuro turned

while shouting.

"───!"

Then, from the starting point of 's tip───Origami's Astral

Dress was broken down into fine dust.

"───"

Origami, drifting in the sky without a single cloth covering her body, felt her consciousness being pulled far away.

"───Aaaaaa───!"

───Passion surged throughout her entire body.

While gripping the handle of that had been badly damaged, Mukuro was about to collapse. With tears in her eyes, she gave a victorious scream.

Below her, Kotori had fallen down and lost her Angel. In front of her, Origami was unconscious.

Both were powerful enemies that caused her to shudder. In fact, Mukuro was about to reach her limit. It was very difficult to maintain her Astral Dress and Angel since she used a considerable amount of reiryoku to protect herself from 's attack. If they were damaged any more, it would be difficult to re-summon for a second time.

However───the winner was Mukuro. The last person standing firm

in this sky was Mukuro.

Even so, she couldn't celebrate yet. Indeed, this difficult battle was

over, Mukuro had eliminated

two formidable opponents. But in this natural park, there may still be other Spirits left.

If so, everything had not ended. She should let her body temporarily rest and grasp the situation

around─── Then. "───Ugh."

Mukuro was suffocating from the tension.

A murderous intent covered all of Mukuro's body.

She immediately understood the reason. At some point,

, which had disappeared the same time Origami lost consciousness, was now surrounding her again.

"Wha...!?"

From the unexpected situation, Mukuro widened her eyes.

──Surely, with the Astral Dress destroyed by , even Origami

must have lost her fighting ability──!?

And then, Mukuro realized that the countless 'feathers'

surrounding her, their shape was slightly different from .

Like a jet-black 'feather' condensed in darkness.

Mukuro had seen this once before.

That's right. This was── "──I'm sorry, Mukuro-san."

As if interrupting Mukuro's thoughts, a voice from below rang out.

Looking at this, she saw that Origami's body, which should have

lost consciousness, was still floating.

──Origami, slowly raised her face.

In those eyes, the burning flames of determination were different from the usual Origami.

"But, I also──cannot lose. Because I──love Itsuka-kun." "...! Thou──"

Receiving a bombardment focused from the jet black 'feathers',

Mukuro lost her Astral Dress along with her consciousness.

───Remaining Spirits, 2 out of 10. "..., Ah..."

After taking in a short breath, Origami regained consciousness.

"──────!"

She had dozed off for a moment. Origami instantly strained her body and understood her current situation.

───She was falling from the sky. As soon as she realized that,

Origami concentrated her mind to allow her body to float.

Then, she looked at her own body. There was no Astral Dress left on her body───but she could sense a faint amount of reiryoku within herself. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to even fly in the sky.

"Fu───"

Exhaling for a brief moment, she found the reiryoku needed to make an Astral Dress manifest.

───Although it was less reassuring than even a limited Astral Dress, her body was covered by a thin layer of silky reiryoku.

Very close to her limits. Very close──but not reached yet. Origami

frowned at this mysterious feeling.

Origami should have used her reiryoku to the limit. Despite the

imperfect condition, she didn't believe she could summon her Astral Dress again. It felt as if this reiryoku was handed out by someone else.

There were no signs of Kotori or Mukuro around. She remembered that she had defeated Kotori.

But at the next moment, she should have been taken down by

Mukuro. But this was── "────"

At that moment, Origami found something on the ground as she descended on that spot. Landing softly on the ground──she walked over to the girl who had fallen there.

"──Mukuro."

That's right, over there was Mukuro in a state of slumber after

losing her Astral Dress.

Origami was confused. The situation appeared as if she had beaten Mukuro through some means. But Origami had no memory of that occurring. Even for a moment, she had completely lost

consciousness. Did her body strike back on its own──? " "

Origami didn't think any further. She hadn't given up pondering it

over, but decided that now was not the time for this.

Regardless of what happen, it was Origami, not Mukuro, who won.

Therefore, she had to prepare for the next battle.

Certainly, despite defeating the dangerous Spirits Kotori and Mukuro, Origami had also received considerable damage. Despite it not being clear who was left now──

Then.

"──────!"

Origami hurriedly turned backwards.

Although faint, she could hear some sound coming from there.

The next moment, as if aware of being discovered by Origami, the source of that sound slammed at the ground at an alarming speed to approach Origami.

"──..."

She concentrated her mind to make her Angel appear. Only a single

'feather' manifested but that

was already a miracle in of itself for the current Origami. She aimed and fired her ray of light.

However, the mysterious assailant spun her body like a bullet,

dodging 's ray of light

while maintain the momentum towards Origami.

"Wha──"

As her consciousness compressed at that moment, she began thinking at a high speed.

──Who is this?

Kotori and Mukuro were no longer a threat. And obviously this speed couldn't come from Natsumi, Nia, or Miku. If so, then was it Kaguya or Yuzuru? No, likely the one with greatest chance of winning now was Kurumi──

The next moment, Origami finally caught the appearance of the attacker.

──There, full of wounds, covered in silver armor. "────────Yoshino──"

After finally saying that, Origami's consciousness sank into darkness again.

───Remaining Spirits, out of 10, leftover──