"I appreciate your consideration..."
Bowing slightly, Tsubaki sighed inwardly.
Truth be told, she was scared.
This situation wasn't favorable for her; she was caught between a rock and a hard place.
Seeking support from Yuno was her last hope, so she staked everything on this visit. Running was futile against the Future Diary, and she lacked the strength to protect herself.
If she wanted to live, she had to find someone to support and shield her.
That someone was Yuno; only she had no need to kill Tsubaki. Her death wouldn't bring Yuno any benefit, no power to gain, and fighting her would diminish Yuno's vitality – it would be a loss.
Only Yuno was someone she could trust...
Yuno was her only way out. If she could cling to Yuno's side, there was a chance to turn the tables.
If everything went as planned, victory was within her grasp. If not, she would still live, as Yuno didn't need to kill her to win.
But the risk was substantial; the possibility of being killed was high.
Fortunately, everything unfolded as she envisioned, although she was surprised that the Key was a man. That didn't change anything; he seemed even more tolerable than Yuno and more discerning.
"We accept the deal, but I have a condition..."
Raising a finger, Yuki smiled. After all, this girl would be his guinea pig. If she survived, the remaining time depended on her.
"A condition? Of course, if it's within my power, I'll fulfill my part."
"It's something very simple, don't worry. But I can't fully trust you, so I'd like to have your Diary."
Pointing to her Diary, Yuki tilted his head.
He had read in Rasiel how powerful this girl's Diary was.
The Diary of Clairvoyance...
It was both terrifying and useful if you knew how to use it.
Although it wasn't as useful for Yuki, who possessed Rasiel, he had other reasons.
"..."
Staring at him for a few seconds, Tsubaki shrugged. It was natural; they had just met, and forming an alliance in these circumstances was impossible. There had to be guarantees. Tsubaki understood, but she was reluctant to hand over her Diary. After all, her Diary was also a weakness – if it was damaged, she would die.
Giving away her Diary was equivalent to handing over her life.
"What's wrong? Yuki asked for your Diary. If you don't give it, I won't trust you."
Prompting Tsubaki to respond, Yuno stretched out her hand, a smile forming on her face. She now understood – Tsubaki was the life insurance Yuki mentioned.
If Tsubaki handed over her Diary, it was like having a nuclear bomb wagging its tail for you. If she didn't, well, there was always the option of killing her, and Yuno was hoping she wouldn't hand it over. That would give no excuse not to kill her.
Unfortunately, Tsubaki disappointed her...
"Fine... I entrust my life to you, Yuki-kun. I hope my sincerity is conveyed through this."
Clasping her hands together, Tsubaki bowed and handed over her Diary.
She had no way out, so Tsubaki staked everything. She could see that Yuno would cut her down if she didn't hand over her Diary. Even if she managed to escape, she would still die at the hands of the Ninth.
Her fate and future were sealed...
Might as well hand her life over to this pretty boy.
"Yes, I promise I won't let you die, as long as you don't break this deal. I'll protect you."
Smiling, Yuki took Tsubaki's extended hand and shook it, offering comfort. With his other hand, he held the Diary.
"You've suffered too much. Let me take care of things from now on."
To be honest, Yuki pitied this girl.
He had read about her past in Rasiel and found it very unfortunate. Her life had been a tool, used by her parents to create that strange sect. Exploiting her birth condition, her parents were killed two years ago, and she was violated by sect members as an act of 'purification.'
A twelve-year-old girl violated by several men, including those from different countries who flocked to her sect just to defile her.
Her life was truly lamentable...
Although Yuno also had her own lamentable past, both had suffered in their own ways. Yuno from the lack of love and Tsubaki from having and losing it.
There were many reasons why Yuki chose her, but one of them was her tragic life. Even though Yuki wasn't a hero, it was still good to perform kind acts for the sake of increasing his karma.
"Yuki-kun... you..."
Lifting her head, Tsubaki's body trembled. Those words meant so much.
What exactly does Yuki know?
Does he know about her sin?
Does he know she's not pure?
Thinking about it, Tsubaki couldn't help but step back a bit, but her hand was firmly held by Yuki.
"Don't be afraid... We all live and suffer; it's the law of life. But even in suffering, we must rise. That's what makes us human."
After saying that, Yuki let go of her hands. At the same time, he opened the Diary of Clairvoyance, unaware that his words had struck Tsubaki's heart hard.
After all, there's no woman in the world who doesn't enjoy romance.
On the other hand, Yuno was reaching the end of her patience. This woman was taking advantage of Yuki's kindness.
(This woman! I hate her! I hate her! I hate her! I hate her! I hate her!)
She knew it; Yuki was kind and generous, willing to lend a hand to a pitiable girl like her. But this woman was exploiting that kindness, and from the conflicted look on her face, Yuno knew she had an unsavory past.
But even if she was a pitiable woman, that had nothing to do with Yuki. No matter her pain, she shouldn't drag Yuki into her mess.
(If only this woman would disappear... Yes, let's kill her.)
That's why she was grinding her teeth. However, a hand squeezed hers, causing her body to stop trembling.
"Yuki?..."
Turning her head, Yuno found Yuki smiling at her.
"Don't forget, Yuno, you're the reason I came to this world."
Yes, Yuki was in this world for her and no one else. He was fighting for her.
Even if another woman appeared, it was indisputable that Yuki was protecting her.
"Yuki...."
As if remembering, Yuno's eyes became watery, and she hugged him tightly.
(Right... Yuki is here for me...)
Murmuring to herself, Yuno felt foolish for being jealous of a woman she had just met. It was evident that Yuki was planning his next move.
Tsubaki, witnessing their affectionate display, couldn't help but twist her smile a bit. They didn't hesitate to show their affection, but what could she say?
Separate them? No, she didn't want to die...
"Alright, let's get down to business."
Breaking free from Yuno's embrace, Yuki extended the Diary of Clairvoyance for the trio to see and learn more about Tsubaki's situation.
"We still have two hours before the [DEAD END]. That's more than enough time to eliminate the enemy."
Quickly analyzing the information, Yuki brought a hand to his chin as his eyes gleamed. This Diary contained precious information.
"That's correct; I have two hours..."
Nodding in agreement, Tsubaki confirmed his words.
"Alright, then let's do it. Miss Tsubaki, we need you to guide us to your sect."
"Eh?"
Unable to comprehend his words, Tsubaki opened her mouth in shock; this was too much for her.
"The best defense is the offense, Miss Tsubaki. The faster we finish off the enemy, the better."
Seeing her open-mouthed shock, Yuki explained his rationale.
Indeed, this [DEAD END] was the perfect time to alter the future. Their prey would take the bait, falling into the trap.
Tsubaki, on the other hand, felt all the strength drain from her body. Initially, she planned to wait here until the [DEAD END] disappeared. If that didn't work, she would stay and live in this place, which was safer than waiting for another participant's ambush.
But now, she was starting to regret seeking help.
What good was it to ask for assistance if, in the end, they treated her like bait?
However, crying over spilled milk served no purpose.
This was her decision, after all. Survival depended on her now.
Honestly, Yuno was mocking her misfortune.
(Let's go for that dog...)
While Tsubaki was regretting and Yuno was mocking, Yuki had already begun weaving his net, and the first victim had fallen.
---