"No... You're not Yuki."
Shaking her head, Inori instantly realized the person in front of her wasn't Yuki.
Yuki(Clone), however, smiled. The ability to distinguish between him and his clones was an accomplishment only Tsunade achieved in the ninja world; even Hinata with her Byakugan couldn't.
Yet, here was Inori, without chakra or any other power. However, upon looking at her again, the smile on Yuki(Clone)'s face widened. Crystals emerged from Inori's hands and shoulders, resembling sharp swords.
"You look beautiful, Inori."
Thumbs up, Yuki(Clone) was just like the original; everything about Inori was beautiful to him, including those sharp crystals on her body.
"!"
Taking a step back, Inori hugged her chest and blushed. She had completely forgotten about her appearance, but now she was somewhat happy. After all, Yuki didn't reject her like a monster; in fact, he praised her, making her heart race.
(No... He's not Yuki.)
However, as if remembering something important, Inori shook her head.
"Yukin? Is it you?"
"Yuki."
Sighing in relief, Tsugumi and Ayase didn't hesitate to embrace him.
"Ha~..."
Releasing a tired sigh, Yuki(Clone) shook his head as he accepted their hugs. After all, these girls were about to be shot by that void.
Unlike Inori, Ayase, and Tsugumi couldn't differentiate between the original and his clones. So, they didn't hesitate to embrace him.
"Alright, alright, calm down; it's over now."
Consoling both women, Yuki(Clone) patted their heads. After all, both of them were soaking him in tears.
"But... Didn't I tell you to stay with Arisa? Why did you come here? Also... Where are Arisa and Haruka?"
As if forgetting something important, Yuki(Clone) looked around for Shu's beautiful mother and the lovely blonde. However, he couldn't find them.
This also brought confusion to Yuki. After all, Arisa's building was a safe zone in this disaster.
When Yuki planned all this, he marked the city map, designating the Blue Point as an absolute safe zone. He made sure neither GHQ nor OAU infiltrated that area. He even summoned the Giant in a remote area to avoid destruction and ensure safety.
But now the trio came to the disaster zone on their own, leaving him puzzled.
"We split up. Haruka-mama and Arisa-san went to get transportation."
"Hm!"
Agreeing with Tsugumi's words, both girls didn't hesitate to spill the beans.
"As for why we're here..."
Turning her gaze, Tsugumi looked at Inori in confusion. After all, she had run off without explaining anything.
"Inori? Was it you?"
"..."
Turning his head, Yuki(Clone) also wanted an explanation. Although he had a vague idea, he still wanted to hear it from Inori herself. However, Inori only frowned in response.
"Yuki, where is he?"
"The original?... At GHQ headquarters. There are still several things to resolve."
"Good."
Agreeing with his words, Inori no longer looked at Yuki(Clone). After all, she wanted the original.
"Where are you going?"
Looking at Inori walking away and ignoring him, Yuki(Clone) squinted his eyes.
"With Yuki."
"I'm afraid I can't let you go."
Separating from the two girls in his arms, Yuki(Clone) faced Inori. His suspicions were correct; he had been watching Shu from the shadows and even manipulated him to stop Inori as long as possible. However, in the end, he had to intervene; Shu was slipping through his fingers.
Even though Shu fulfilled Yuki(Clone)'s objectives to stop Inori, it seemed this girl wasn't willing to give up. So, this time, he had to be the one to stop her.
It was too dangerous for her to be with the original at this moment; otherwise, her efforts would be wasted.
"Move aside..."
"Sorry, I can't."
Although Inori's voice was soft, there was a powerful pressure behind it.
"Inoreen? Yuki..."
"..."
Looking at the duo with furrowed brows, Tsugumi felt useless. She didn't know what was happening with Inori and why Yuki was stopping her. She could understand complex computer languages, even hack into the best security systems, but now, seeing these two, she felt utterly defenseless.
The same went for Ayase. She clenched her fists while watching those two staring at each other without backing down.
"Why?... Why disobey my orders to stay in the safe zone? Why try to go against me?... I don't want anything to happen to you."
This was what confused Yuki(Clone) the most. Inori's only responsibility was to activate Genomic Resonance and wait for everything to end. With this, Yuki was sure to put an end to this farce once and for all and continue with his love life. But...
"No, I'm not someone who needs protection. I'm not a vase that needs to be protected... Yuki, he needs me... I must be by his side."
Denying his words, Inori lowered her gaze. She understood what Yuki(Clone) meant; she knew Yuki wanted to keep her safe from all this. She knew Yuki loved her so much, which was why he didn't hesitate to destroy half the city for her. But this was also the reason Inori didn't hesitate anymore.
She didn't want to be someone who just waited to be protected; she wanted to be with Yuki as a partner, supporting each other shoulder to shoulder, in good times and bad. That's why Inori had to be by his side at this moment, sharing the burden. This was her resolution, the proof of her love for Yuki.
"So please, move aside."
"You won't change your mind, huh?"
With a hand on his forehead, Yuki(Clone) had a headache. This complicated things. After all, Inori's only responsibility was to reach the Genomic Resonance source, and with her close, the danger he faced was enormous. That's why Yuki kept her away. But Inori was more stubborn than he expected.
Staring at each other for a few seconds, Yuki(Clone) was the first to give in.
"Ha~... I can't handle that look. You win, Inori. I'll let you go, but I must warn you; the journey to GHQ will be dangerous. Even when you arrive, everything might be over. Still, do you want to go?"
"I will, Yuki... I must be by his side."
"Fine, good luck... However, Inori... No matter what happens, I will protect you."
(I leave it to you, Original.)
Sighing, Yuki(Clone) agreed before disappearing into the shadows, with Shu also disappearing with him. Inori was determined, so changing her mind was impossible.
(Anyway, when she arrives, everything will be over.)
With that thought in mind, Yuki(Clone) returned to the shadows, satisfied. Regardless of Inori's efforts, she had to traverse a quarter of the city to reach her destination. Thus, carrying Shu back home, Yuki(Clone) decided to leave all the problems to the Original.
"Inoreen, Aya-nee, let's go."
"Hm!"
Listening to their conversation, Tsugumi only knew that Inori had to reach GHQ, and it wouldn't be easy; the journey was long.
So, without wasting time, they started running again.
However, the trio didn't run for long because an off-road vehicle stopped very close to them.
"Do you want me to take you?"
Opening the window, a smug Arisa looked at the trio who had run out of her building.
"Hmp! Just in time."
Without any hesitation, Tsugumi opened the door, finding Haruka on the driver's side.
Seeing this, Inori and Ayase looked at each other for a few seconds before entering as well.
"Where to, girls? You're on board the super taxi of wonders."
Joking with the trio of teenagers, Haruka smiled. However, her smile froze with the trio's response.
"Take us to GHQ."
"Eh?"
----------
Author's Note: Dead?
I'm not dead, idiot!
*Cough, cough, cough
*Dies...
TN : 😃👍