Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

Meanwhile, in a luxurious apartment in Chiba.

A curious development had occurred in the Nakano household.

Nino and Miku, who had never been particularly close, suddenly seemed to have buried the hatchet — or rather, Nino had unilaterally decided to improve her relationship with Miku.

"Wow, this is too extravagant!"

"Nino, why is everything Miku's favorite?" Yotsuba exclaimed, approaching the dining table and marveling at the lavish breakfast.

In all the time they'd known Nino, they'd never seen her so earnest. Even Itsuki and Ichika, privy to the "truth", couldn't help but gasp in secret.

"Oh my goodness!"

"I know it feels wrong to eat the food behind Miku's back, but…" Ichika whispered to Itsuki, her voice barely audible, "Nino's behavior is extreme, isn't it? It's as if she's become a different person."

Nino had promised to make amends with Miku, but the intensity of her efforts left even the two, who were in on the plan, at a loss.

"It's nothing! Just practicing. Sit down, I'll make some tea." Nino said casually, waving her hand as she turned towards the teapot.

As the water in the teapot gradually came to a boil, a delicate aroma of green tea permeated the room. The fresh, unique fragrance evoked images of nature — crisp mountain springs and gentle pine-scented breezes.

Even Miku had to admit that Nino's technique was impressive.

However, this unwarranted preferential treatment made her uneasy. It felt as though Nino had committed some unforgivable act and was now trying to atone through various means.

But what could she have done to wrong her?

Miku tilted her head in thought, her fingertips unconsciously brushing over her charm. Yet, she still couldn't find the answer she was looking for.

"Nino, you're being too biased!" Yotsuba whined, rolling around on the sofa with her eyes closed.

"Yotsuba, don't make a fuss. Nino won't forget about you!" Itsuki smiled reassuringly, trying to calm her sister's unreasonable behavior.

Ichika immediately chimed in, "That's right! Nino's just trying something new. Once the novelty wears off, it'll naturally be your turn."

Their coordinated response dispelled Miku's confusion. Perhaps, as Ichika suggested, Nino was simply immersed in the novelty of it all.

She picked up the green tea Nino handed her and savored it carefully.

"Phew—"

Seeing that Miku didn't suspect anything, Ichika, who was secretly acting as a wingwoman, also breathed a sigh of relief.

The extent of Nino's compensation far exceeded her expectations. Initially, she thought that helping to keep it a secret was the most she could do. Now it seemed she had underestimated Nino's character.

'But... her change... must be my imagination.' Although she harbored some doubts, Ichika didn't voice them.

After all, she couldn't explain the reason for Nino's dramatic change either. The only answer was that she was making amends to Miku on their behalf.

As for the other instigator, Itsuki, although she had doubts in her heart, the direction of development was positive.

At least the bond between the quintuplets seemed much stronger than before!

"Yotsuba, come try this dish. It's my latest creation." Nino said, using a roundabout strategy to launch an attack from Yotsuba's direction.

"Oh, it's my favorite! Thank you, Nino." The simple-minded girl exclaimed with delight.

"Miku, how's your relationship with Daiki-kun developing? I haven't seen you two together recently. You haven't had a fight, have you?"

The sudden topic made Miku appear flustered.

She hadn't deliberately hidden her relationship with Daiki from her sisters. Consequently, not only had the four of them followed her, but it had also led to some amusing incidents.

However, whenever the topic arose, it was always in a lighthearted, teasing manner. This direct questioning from Nino was unprecedented.

"No... everything's fine..." After a moment of hesitation, Miku buried her head shyly and mumbled.

"Nino, why are you asking about this so suddenly?" Itsuki frowned slightly, feeling the topic was too personal.

Yotsuba and Ichika also turned their attention to her.

"Well, I came across some news on my phone last night about a highly effective shrine in Chiba," Nino explained. "I was thinking, since grandfather isn't getting any younger, why don't we all visit the shrine to pray for blessings? If Miku and Daiki-kun are on good terms, they could join us."

"It happens to be Saturday today, so we could even stay overnight at the shrine. They offer guest rooms, and there's an abandoned old building on the back mountain where tourists often go treasure hunting at night. If Miku brings Daiki-kun along, it could not only strengthen their relationship, but also make the treasure hunt more exciting."

Nino pulled out her phone and showed them the information about the Star Shrine.

Although Chiba residents called it a shrine, the Star Shrine was actually controlled by a mysterious cult known as the "Star Religious Group". They were reputed to have extensive expertise in exorcising Curses and Evil Spirits.

Nino knew little about the Star Religious Group and wasn't particularly interested in investigating. Her main focus was on the treasure hunting game in the old building.

"Star Religious Group? My classmates highly recommend it!" Yotsuba chimed in, "They say someone who was previously haunted by Evil Spirits felt better immediately after visiting the shrine for an exorcism."

Her words made Nino look at her skeptically.

Shrines like this were common throughout Chiba, with many of them being fictitious or exaggerated. She wondered if the shrine she'd randomly chosen actually possessed Sorcerers.

"I'll have to ask Daiki-kun's opinion first." Miku said. Although she was eager for him to join, she wanted to consider his wishes.

"Mm, try to be quick about it. We can still book enough rooms now." Nino replied casually.

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Meanwhile, at the same time.

Daiki, having breakfast with Iroha, received a message.

| That's fine! |

He responded affirmatively.

"Senpai, was that from Nino-senpai?"

"Miku said they want to go pray at a shrine. You should finish eating and pack up to leave."

"Huh? Why? Why are you kicking me out?" Iroha blurted out.

"Don't tell me you actually want to stay and warm my bed?" Daiki gave her a quizzical look.

"No... but... what if..." She stammered, gesticulating wildly.

Of course, she didn't have that intention, but was her home truly safe?

This time, he happened to be available to rush over! What if next time she's in danger, and Daiki is busy making babies with Miku or Nino? What would she do then?

She couldn't just wait to die, could she?

"Senpai! Please, let me stay just one more night!"

"It's not that I won't let you stay, but what if Miku comes over? How would I explain?" Daiki shook his head, refusing her request and making her even more anxious.

"Then... then I'll be like Nino-senpai and offer myself to you!" Iroha stared directly at him, barely containing her embarrassment.

The moment their gazes met, it was as if time stood still.

"In your dreams, little girl."

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