Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

"Seriously, can't you stop blabbing about everything next time?" Nino said with extreme displeasure in the guest room provided by the shrine.

Ichika knelt on the floor before her, not daring to raise her head after being scolded.

"How was I supposed to know Miss Haruno would want to stay overnight just because I mentioned it casually?" Faced with Nino and Miku's stares, Ichika could only respond weakly.

After all, Haruno was the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita family. From her conversation with Keika, it was clear she was very busy.

But due to Ichika's casual mention, she really did take the opportunity to stay. She decided to remain at the shrine for another night and even wanted to join them in treasure hunting at the abandoned old building.

Nino's carefully crafted plan to promote the relationship between Miku and Daiki-kun was completely disrupted by this single sentence.

Both Ichika and Itsuki could understand Nino's anger at this moment. The opportunity was right in front of them, but alas, the elder sister had proven completely useless.

"I'm so angry!" Nino, frustrated beyond words, simply closed her eyes and fell silent.

Itsuki and Yotsuba quickly ran to her side to console her. Miku pulled Ichika's arm, making her sit in the chair beside her. The scene was bizarrely tense.

Logically, Miku should have been the angriest person. Instead, Nino, who had devised the plan, was even more upset. Combined with her preferential treatment of Miku these past two days, it was quite thought-provoking.

Itsuki, while comforting Nino, felt something was off. She wasn't sure exactly which part of the process had gone wrong. Whether it was Nino's or Ichika's behavior, there were reasons behind their actions.

While Yotsuba and Miku were still in the dark, Itsuki was clear-headed!

"Don't be angry, Nino! We'll deal with Daiki-kun after the treasure hunt is over. If worst comes to worst, Ichika and I can distract Miss Haruno." Her suggestion gradually dissipated the anger in Nino's heart.

Indeed! How could the five of them be held back by just two people?

"Hmph, don't do this again next time."

"Yes, Commander Nino!" Hearing this, Ichika once again displayed a cheerful smile.

Afterwards, the five of them gathered to discuss the night's treasure hunting plans.

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Meanwhile, Haruno, who had decided to stay another night, wore a grave expression.

This was the Yukinoshita family's only chance to turn things around. Only with Daiki's support would they have a chance to overcome this crisis. The problem now was how to persuade him to take action.

After all, they had no personal connection, and his life was extremely comfortable. There was no reason for him to join the Yukinoshita family in confronting the rising Matsushita Group.

"It's time for me to sacrifice myself to save the Yukinoshita family!" Haruno's gaze hardened with determination.

Observing the changes in her expression, Yukino said, "Why don't you let me talk to him?"

Haruno looked up in surprise, then slowly shook her head.

"Then how do you plan to persuade him?" Yukino asked, cutting to the heart of the matter.

"Big sister has her own methods."

"You're not planning to break them up, or become the other woman, are you?" Yukino's words cut through the air like a knife.

She was the one most unwilling to see her sister sacrifice herself.

"Don't jump to conclusions, Yukino. Besides, the family's situation is critical now."

"If you really insist on doing something like that, let me do it instead!" Yukino's uncompromising attitude gave Haruno quite a headache.

With her sister complex, how could she possibly let she do such a thing? She even regretted not sending her home earlier.

"Yukino, don't be so pessimistic. Given Daiki-kun's looks and personality, he might not even be interested in me."

The thoughts of those high and mighty Jujutsu Sorcerers were hard to fathom. Haruno was merely making a desperate last stand.

If it really worked out, it might not be such a bad thing after all. Daiki was not lacking in any aspect. Add to that his power rivaling that of a Special Grade Jujutsu Sorcerer, it could even be said that the Yukinoshita family would be marrying above their level.

"But we can't sacrifice you to save the family!" Yukino's voice suddenly rose, her control slipping.

Seeing this, Haruno quickly covered her mouth and glared, "Stop this nonsense!"

Yukino broke free from the restraint and retorted defiantly, "I'm not talking nonsense! Rather than enjoying peace bought by your sacrifice, I'd rather go myself."

Haruno took a deep breath, her gaze and emotions gradually stabilizing.

"It's not that I won't let you sacrifice yourself, but this opportunity is rare!" She fell silent for a moment, then thought of an excellent reason.

"How does the rarity of the opportunity matter?" Yukino asked, her expression naive, not yet grasping her sister's ulterior motives.

"It matters because we only have one chance! We must let the person with the most advantages take action. Otherwise, we'd be squandering the opportunity, wouldn't we?"

Yukino pondered briefly, then argued, "I'm his classmate. Surely my chances of persuading him to help our family are greater than yours?"

"Heh, do you think this family crisis is child's play? Do you believe mere persuasion can make Daiki-kun abandon his comfortable life and confront the rising Matsushita group for the Yukinoshita family's sake?" Haruno's smile was tinged with contempt.

"That... that kind of sacrifice... I can make it too!" Yukino's face flushed with embarrassment, but she gritted her teeth and spoke stubbornly.

"But what makes you think Daiki would be interested in you?"

"Because I'm cute!"

Haruno's breath caught; this answer was unexpected.

Sensing her misstep, Yukino quickly added, "You can't guarantee he'd be interested in you either, can you?"

Seizing the opportunity, Haruno fixed her sister with a serious gaze. Yukino met it unflinchingly.

Suddenly, Haruno's eyes traveled downward from Yukino's face. Her expression morphed into one of utter contempt and disdain. She then glanced down at herself — unable to see her own toes!

Finally, she returned her gaze to her sister's face, sporting a smug smile. Without a word, it conveyed volumes.

Yukino's face reddened with anger. She wanted to retort but found herself at a loss for words.

"Vulgar!"

A thousand thoughts condensed into this single utterance.

The spacious guest room seemed to echo with the sound of Yukino's shattered confidence.

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