"Are you ready?" Gai nodded, looking at the various scattered members.
Yuki, however, just sighed. It had been two days since he had been with Tsugumi, and despite the happiness and satisfaction he should feel, another problem lingered.
That problem was Inori.
Since that day and the aftermath, she had locked herself in her room, refusing to come out. Even Yuki, who visited her frequently, was denied entry.
Yuki didn't know what was going on. He had planned to talk to her that day, but Inori didn't give him that chance, leaving him defenseless.
Tsugumi was in a similar situation, with a knot in her heart due to guilt. Yet, she chose to believe in Yuki.
Shaking his head, Yuki decided he had to talk to Inori after this mission, even if it meant forcing his way into her room.
Suddenly, he felt something on his body—arms wrapping around him from behind.
"Good luck... and come back to me, okay?" Tsugumi's face rested on his shoulder.
"Yes! Don't worry, I'll be back."
Hearing his words, Tsugumi hugged him tighter, unaware of her deep concern for Yuki. Something inside her told her this mission was very dangerous. Tsugumi had never felt this way before; unlike before when she simply followed orders, this time, she feared something might happen to Yuki. She didn't know if it was because of guilt regarding Inori or simply the side effect of being a maiden in love, watching her man go off to war.
She didn't know, but she didn't like it.
"Does it bother you?" Argos sighed, looking at the couple. Since that day, Tsugumi and Yuki had been displaying affection in public, making all the singles at the base grit their teeth.
Ayase felt the same as Argos, but her feelings were more complicated. Her younger friend had surpassed her in that regard.
Quickly separating, Tsugumi blushed as multiple eyes embarrassed her. Despite being bold and cheerful, she didn't have Yuki's thick skin.
"Hehehe, let's do this, 'Reaper,'" Kenji patted Yuki's shoulder. His smile was terrifying, but Yuki didn't mind. To him, Kenji was just another burden to carry.
"Do we need these reinforcements? With me here, the mission is easier," Yuki raised his eyebrows in doubt. After all, he was invincible on the battlefield, and he could disguise himself and infiltrate.
"It is. Attacking the Leukocyte's base is not easy," Gai continued, furrowing his brow. "And we can't always rely on your power."
"Understood." Closing his eyes, Yuki asked no more questions. He understood Gai very well. Instead of relying on a stranger who appeared out of nowhere, it was better to trust in Gai's methods. Putting on the Anbu mask, Yuki wanted to finish this quickly; he had a lady waiting.
Without looking back, Yuki followed Gai. He had to see if these reinforcements were worth it, as Gai claimed.
Two days had passed, but Inori remained in her room. She had sent several messages to Yuno, but received no response, as if Yuno had ignored her completely.
Frustrated, Yuki had visited her more than once, but she didn't open the door. She was confused, not knowing what to think.
Looking at the chat room, she didn't understand why Yuno wasn't responding to her messages.
She sighed, then looked at a specific name.
"Inori Yuzuhira: Hello..."
"La Folia: Hm? Hello, Miss Yuzuhira. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
Unlike Yuno, La Folia responded almost instantly.
"Inori Yuzuhira:... I need advice."
Getting straight to the point.
"La Folia: Ara... Go ahead."
Sighing for a moment, Inori didn't hold back. She told everything. Unlike Tsugumi, who had Ayase, Inori was alone. Now that Yuno wasn't responding, she thought it would be the same with La Folia.
Meanwhile, La Folia looked at the chat room with amusement. She had investigated this chat room but found nothing. The members' names, their powers—everything she knew. Yet, she found nothing. This gave her more confidence that this chat room was the real deal.
This excited her. If everything said in the chat was true, it meant she wouldn't be confined only to her world. She could travel to other worlds and, of course, have the best genes for her descendants.
La Folia had already started planning some mischief to gain the champion's permission and, of course, find out what kind of legendary figure he was.
Now, hearing Inori's problem, La Folia smiled mischievously.
"La Folia: I understand your problem. Jealousy is killing you, but if you truly love him, that won't stop you, right?"
"Inori Yuzuhira:..."
Through this conversation, La Folia could see Inori's character. Like Yuno, she saw through Inori in an instant, realizing that Yuki's existence was crucial to her.
The empty shell now had something inside it—Yuki.
Looking at the empty response, La Folia had a moment of inspiration. Smirking like a little devil, she continued.
"La Folia: Honestly, your problem is easy to solve."
"Inori Yuzuhira: Really?... Can you tell me how?"
"La Folia: Of course! I can assure you that with this method, not only will you solve your problem, but also Yuki-sama will be very pleased. With this method, everyone will be happy—everyone wins."
Inori was now very satisfied. Not only did she offer a solution when she asked for advice, but also one where Yuki was happier. So, with high expectations, Inori asked.
"Inori Yuzuhira: Please, I want to know."
Holding her cheeks, La Folia smiled. She couldn't help but think that Inori was very innocent and manipulable.
But that was okay. After all, La Folia was already planning her next mischief, and now Inori was the perfect candidate for that.
(Now, Yuki-sama, I hope you like my gift.)
"La Folia: Miss Yuzuhira, have you heard about the harem?"
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TN: Lafolia UwU easily of the best waifu
Probably last one release for today tho you know how easy it is to change my mind just with some powerstones and reviews ;)