In the players' rest area:
"Now for the finals. Same order as today. Any objections?"
"None!"
"Good. Dismissed."
After Yuu gave the order, the kendo club members saluted and began packing their things, leaving the room with a mix of excitement and anxiety.
Himura patted his shoulder, smiling. "This is a rare chance. Why not try the thrill of defeating five people alone in the finals? We'll win because of you anyway."
"No need." Yuu didn't even look at him, simply slinging his bamboo sword bag and armor over his shoulder. "Even if they're not great, they've made it this far. It's fine to let them fight and show their skills."
A smile lingered on Himura's face, but his narrowed eyes opened slightly.
"Even if they just lose in front of others?"
"Even if they just lose in front of others, at least none of them slacked off or got lazy because of me. That's enough."
Himura's eyes widened briefly in surprise, then softened into a warm, cheerful smile. He bowed ninety degrees to him.
"Thanks, Tenkuji-kun. You're more suited to be kendo club president than me."
Holding the door handle, Yuu turned to him, smiling back.
"Sorry, I'd rather be a regular member in a small club."
The door closed. Suddenly, the phone in his pocket vibrated.
It was an unknown number.
"Hello? Who's this?"
On the other end, a clear, youthful voice lacked its usual arrogance, speaking only with a serious tone. "Brother-in-law, you can talk now, right?"
"Mana?" Yuu asked, confused. "When did you sneakily get my number?"
"W-Who sneakily got your number?! With the Natsukawa family's power, finding your phone number is easy. Don't get too full of yourself!" Mana snapped back angrily. But, as if recalling something, she quickly cleared her throat and calmed down.
"No beating around the bush. Straight to the point… You know the Starbucks nearby, right? Can you come?"
Yuu sounded exasperated. "Huh? Masuzu and I have other places to visit. I don't have time for a date with a kid."
"…"
On the other end, a deep breath was audible. Mana seemed furious. Yuu could faintly hear her muttering, 'He's my brother-in-law, I can use him later. Don't get mad at him…' Her complaints dripped with frustration.
"Who'd want a date with you?! It's my dad. He has business with you!"
After a moment, she finally shouted in a resentful tone.
"Your dad? Why didn't you say so earlier? You're so long-winded." Yuu sighed, turning to walk in a different direction down the players' corridor.
"What, a big shot doesn't want to talk directly to a kid like me? Fine. The great master of the Natsukawa family came all the way to Kyoto to find me. That's honor enough for me."
"Go ahead and mock him. I'm just the messenger!" Mana said irritably. "By the way, he just watched your match. I also told Masuzu to avoid Dad so she doesn't get dragged back home."
"Mm, good job. Very Mana-chan of you." Yuu nodded nonchalantly.
Mana was livid. "Huh? That's it? This is my first time helping someone's relationship, and you treat me so casually?!"
"So, what do you want? A pat on the head from Onii-chan? Or should I pick you up and swing you around?"
"Be my bodyguard for a day—"
"Say hi to Yasuoka-san for me."
Not bothering to let her finish, Yuu hung up. He then called Masuzu's number.
"Masuzu, tell the others to wait at the cafeteria for a bit. I'll be there soon."
"…Yuu, are you really going to meet him?" Masuzu's voice was heavy and anxious, unlike her usual self. "He came all the way to Kyoto to find you. That man definitely has bad intentions. He might not leave after just a few words."
Yuu smiled. "Hey, didn't you used to trust me a lot? Why are you scared now?"
"It's not fear, it's just…"
"Relax, just wait for my good news." Yuu spoke with an undeniable tone. "Your dad, no matter how powerful, is just a businessman. But your boyfriend isn't just a student. Even without dirty tricks, I have plenty of ways to take you away from him—do you think a guy who can't keep his daughter is a match for me?"
Masuzu said, bewildered, "Your words are cool, but why do I feel like you're spouting nonsense?"
"Nonsense or not, as long as it's cool."
"…Fine. I'll wait for your good news." Masuzu finally smiled. "Mr. Boyfriend, that's your future father-in-law, you know. Be a little polite."
Yuu raised an eyebrow. "What if he plans to break us up?"
"Hmm… Don't be too harsh?"
"Got it, darling."
Hearing his serious reply, Masuzu froze, panicking slightly. "Eh? That was a joke, right? You're not actually going to attack him—"
She didn't finish, as Yuu had already hung up.
Both Natsukawa sisters suffered the same fate—having their conversations cut off before they could finish.
"Well then, let's get started… The mandatory parent talk!"
Muttering to himself, Yuu slipped his phone into his pocket. He left the players' corridor and headed toward Starbucks.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Under the green-and-white mermaid logo, a blonde girl with twin tails stomped her foot impatiently. Her cute, delicate face was full of frustration.
"So slow! How dare you stroll here so casually!"
"Your dad's not a train. Why should I rush to catch him?"
Speaking casually, Yuu reached out and ruffled her head.
Mana tried to dodge, but Yuu still managed to place his hand on her head, patting it twice firmly.
"You jerk of a brother-in-law!"
Her fair face flushed red. Mana stomped on his foot with her small boots as hard as she could. Yuu's expression didn't change. He only said lightly:
"Release in three seconds, or I'll lift you up in public."
"…"
Scary, scary. This jerk would actually do it!
To preserve her dignity, Mana could only step back a few paces, her face full of embarrassment. Her eyes glistened slightly.
(Damn it, I went out of my way to do so much for them, and all I get is being treated like a toy?!)
(This world is ruled by bad people. Good people don't get happy endings!)
"Why're you spacing out? Let's go."
Without looking at Mana's expression, Yuu passed her, pushing open the shop's door. His voice carried a soft chuckle.
"Besides, I can't be a bodyguard. At most, I'll listen to your problems or troubles and think of ways to help you solve them."
"If you want to be treated like a little sister, try harder with your big sister, Mana."
The bell chimed melodiously. Yuu stepped into Starbucks. Mana stood frozen outside, staring at his back for a long time, speechless.
"…Treated like a little sister? Who needs that? This sister-complex weirdo, I'll rat you out to Big Sis later."
Pouting and muttering, she still stepped forward, gently tugging his sleeve.
"Where are you going? My dad's over there! Don't wander around if you don't know the way!"
"Yeah, yeah. Then I'll leave it to you to lead."
"Hmph!"