"These traitors..."
"Oh, Hachiman, back again? You must really love hot springs."
"Calling us traitors is harsh. When did you ever think we were on your side?"
"Yeah, no way we'd go against Yōno-san."
"Ugh... I'm in the same boat, so I can't say anything..."
Appearing at the hot spring again, Hachiman slumped as Kazato and Kikuoaka teased him. He silently rinsed off under the shower, slipped into the tub, and sat beside Kazato.
"Phew... exhausted..."
"Good work, Hachiman-kun."
"You look beat. Was it that bad?"
"Well, sis was probably rough to hide her embarrassment, so it's a brother's duty. No big deal."
"Huh, that Yōno-san?"
Kazato sounded surprised, then continued as if struck by a thought.
"By the way, Hachiman, you're becoming Soleil's president? Caught me off guard."
"Yeah... feels like I'm being swept along, but I said I'd shoulder it..."
Hachiman's mind flashed to Rosaria's words that night.
If it's a stray pup you picked up, at least feed it!
He self-mockingly told Kazato, "Gotta feed a stray pup, right?"
"What? Doesn't make sense."
"Rosaria said that to me before. That's when I resolved to carry the burden. Never thought it'd mean president, though."
"Rosaria—that Rosalia? People change, huh."
Kazato pondered, then asked, "So, Hachiman, no feeding wolves?"
"Wolves..."
Staring into Kazato's eyes, Hachiman replied, "Can't chain a wolf. But if it comes to me willingly, I'll gladly feed it."
"So you'd keep it?"
"Free-range, though."
Kazato grinned. "Free-range?"
"Chaining a wolf kills its strengths."
"Maybe the wolf wouldn't mind the chain."
Hachiman narrowed his eyes, deadpan: "What? You a masochist?"
"Hey! We had a hard-boiled vibe going—why snap back to normal? This is about my job!"
"Calm down, Kazato. You're being blunt too."
After retorting, Hachiman switched topics: "Panda might show up too."
"Whoa, picturing Panda bossing around beside smug Hachiman in meetings. You okay? Those two'll walk all over you—make that three with Asuna."
"I'll manage."
"Probably no worry, but good luck. If you're in trouble, I'll help."
"Yeah."
Kazato raised a fist; Hachiman bumped it. Watching enviously, Kikuoaka timidly asked, "Hachiman-kun, no feed for foxes?"
"No foxes needed. Go trick tanuki instead—that suits us better."
"Yeah, figured... just asking..."
Kikuoaka seemed prepared but looked dejected.
"You're high up, Kikuoaka-san. Why us?"
"Pressure from all sides. MHLW silently pushing hard this time. Glad it resolved, but my stomach's killing me."
"You always seem carefree."
Kazato's words made Kikuoaka clutch his gut: "Gotta fake it, or demands escalate."
"You've got it rough."
Kazato pitied him. Kikuoaka scratched his head, smiling, but Hachiman flatly said, "This proves you and Kazato are masochists dying to be bossed by sis."
"Wait..."
"It splashed on me!?"
"That's how it is."
Grinning at Kikuoaka, who panicked: "M-maybe, but I value our bond!"
"Yeah, Hachiman—this is friendship!"
"Kidding. Really grateful, Kikuoaka-san—I like you a lot. And Kazato, we'll be together forever."
Teary-eyed, they gripped his hands: "Hachiman-kun... same here!"
"Hachiman, forever buddies!"
Smiling: "So I'll keep your kinks secret. No worries."
"That's not it!?"
"Ruined the moment!"
Deepening bonds, Hachiman's night ended. Next morning:
"Hachiman-kun, I wait for others—farewell for now."
"Yes, leave the rest to you, Kikuoaka-san."
"Rinko, housing's set—dump hassles on Kikuoaka and join quick."
"Wait—"
"Got it, Yōno. Thanks."
Kikuoaka started protesting, but they ignored. Hachiman, surprised at Yōno and Rinko's rapport: "Glared last night, but close now?"
"We became friends yesterday."
"Ah."
Recalling, Hachiman stared at Yōno, who casually said, "Big sis makes true friends with anyone instantly."
"Sorry, reflect on your past, then repeat."
"Hm~?"
Tapping her cheek, she smiled: "Big sis makes true friends with anyone instantly."
"Zero friends, all bluff!"
Yōno puffed cheeks: "Mean! I have friends!"
"How many without thick exoskeletons?"
"Asuna-chan."
"That's sister category."
"Yukino-chan."
"Full sister. Guild outsiders only."
"Rosaria."
"Subordinate, nothing else."
"Elza-chan."
"Devotee, not friend. She agrees."
Puffing more: "Hachiman-kun's so narrow-minded."
"Wider than your friendships."
Yōno glared, then serious: "Fine, friends. Then... Hachiman-kun."
"Guild outsiders, I said—"
"Hachiman-kun."
"Uh..."
"Hachiman-kun."
"Er..."
Cupping his cheeks, staring close: "You're my best friend, Hachiman-kun."
"Uh... y-yes."
"Yes! My win!"
Yōno victory posed as he averted eyes.
"Sis's demon king power play!"
"First time Hachiman lost easy."
"Impressive comeback."
"Quite the pair."
"Rinko-san, heading back—Kikuoaka-san, handle Rinko."
Hachiman, embarrassed, hopped into Kit's driver seat. The five smirked.
"Hachiman-kun's shy."
"See, Rinko? Cute, right?"
"Gotta join ASAP."
"Hey, Hachiman—let me drive back! Rock-paper-scissors!"
"Leaving this to you."
Kazato won, befriending Kit fully.
"Kazato's still a kid."
"Don't sulk 'cause you lost to sis, Hachiman-kun."
"Asuna, I didn't lose—just let her shine."
"Sure."
Asuna rested her head on his shoulder. He adjusted for comfort, pouting out the window. She whispered: "Kyoto next when home."
He turned: "Materials secured. Once Chapter Three's free, we cut Yūki ties, Asuna."
"Yeah, thanks, Hachiman-kun."
Securing Medicuboid with Rinko, Hachiman headed to Yūki main house in Kyoto.
En route, at a highway stop for bathroom, alone in the car, Hachiman's phone rang. Display: "Stray Pup." Curious, he answered.
"What's up, Rosaria? Trouble?"
"Just informing. Zexeed bountied Shana's head. Gathering at tavern to ambush them."
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