"Indeed, we can only use the second method…" Nagasaki Soyo said softly, "Should we go to the Otherworld to pick an Eden Fruit and then bring it back for Mutsumi?"
Kitahara Makoto shook his head and said:
"That's not safe."
"Eh?" Nagasaki Soyo looked up. "What does Kitahara-kun mean?"
"To pick an Eden Fruit, I must clear the game to the second level, allowing me to master Unyielding Will." Kitahara Makoto interlaced his fingers, resting his chin on them. "The problem is that the second level is not easy to clear. So far, none of you have cleared it even once."
"..."
The girls immediately fell silent.
"To clear the level, luck and cooperation are both indispensable; it's really not that simple." Kitahara Makoto's tone was serious. "More importantly, as I told you before, the temptation of the Eden Fruit is exceptionally strong. It's a temptation that acts on the soul level, and an ordinary person's willpower simply cannot resist the temptation of the Eden Fruit."
"So, our method of going to the Otherworld, picking an Eden Fruit, and bringing it back to Mutsumi sounds good, but it's not safe."
Togawa Sakiko looked up and asked softly:
"What does Kitahara-kun mean?"
Kitahara Makoto said earnestly:
"My meaning is to take Mutsumi with us and go to the Otherworld together."
Nagasaki Soyo said hesitantly:
"But once you enter the Otherworld, you can never escape. Is it really good to involve Mutsumi?"
"As long as the Eden plan is successfully completed, the danger level of the Otherworld will be greatly reduced for us." Kitahara Makoto said softly, "Most importantly, Mutsumi's time is running out, and today's questioning attempts have already been used up, so we cannot guarantee whether we can bring the Eden Fruit out of the Otherworld… Of course, we can wait until tomorrow to ask, but if we do, there will only be one day left, and no room for maneuver."
"..."
This was a serious matter, and no one could make a decision lightly.
Finally, Togawa Sakiko spoke softly, earnestly explaining the danger level of the Otherworld, then looked seriously at Wakaba Mutsumi:
"Regarding the two choices just now, what does Mutsumi say?"
Wakaba Mutsumi's eyes were like a calm lake; without hesitation or struggle, she said calmly:
"Let's go together."
"Mutsumi, you need to think carefully." Nagasaki Soyo said from the side, "Once you enter the Otherworld, you won't be able to escape later."
Mutsumi tilted her head and looked over, speaking exceptionally frankly:
"But if the curse erupts, I won't have a future, will I?"
"..."
The facts were laid bare, leaving no room for refutation.
Togawa Sakiko let out a soft sigh, her gaze quickly firming up:
"Since that's the case, Mutsumi, join us… We only have two days left. We need skill and practice to clear the level, so we can't delay until tomorrow. Let's enter the Otherworld this evening."
Nagasaki Soyo: "Sakiko makes sense."
Takamatsu Tomori: "I'll go home and tell my mother first."
The girls all agreed.
Kitahara Makoto said from the side:
"Remember to prepare your supplies. We'll gather in the evening."
Togawa Sakiko nodded gently:
"Mutsumi, I'll send you the supply list later."
"Okay."
Mutsumi's expression remained as calm as ever.
The discussion concluded.
The girls all bid farewell and left to prepare their supplies.
Kitahara Makoto still had many supplies from last time, so he was not in a hurry.
"As for now…"
Kitahara Makoto took out his phone and checked today's schedule.
"Microfilm opening ceremony."
"Go to the Driving School for theoretical class with Hitori."
"And today's daily tasks…"
Kitahara Makoto put his phone in his pocket, changed his shoes, and went out:
"First, run ten kilometers in the park to complete today's fitness task."
"..."
Ten kilometers were easily completed.
After a quick shower and change of clothes at home, Kitahara Makoto grabbed his backpack and set off for the campus where the microfilm was being filmed.
The location was in Tokyo, not remote at all; in fact, it was a prestigious school, the very high school Shiraishi Ayane attended.
"Kitahara-kun, good morning."
Chihaya Anon's voice was clear and crisp; she had arrived early.
"Good morning."
Kitahara Makoto walked over to Anon's side, looked at the pink-haired girl who had changed into a completely new outfit today, then quietly took out his phone and started snapping photos.
"Hey, hey, secretly taking pictures is illegal, you know."
Chihaya Anon reminded him while posing for various photos.
Kitahara Makoto said without changing his expression:
"How is it illegal for me to take pictures of my girlfriend?"
"Pfft~"
Chihaya Anon's pretty face flushed slightly, and she lightly spat:
"I haven't agreed to date you yet!"
"Tsundere is already out of fashion."
"You're the tsundere! Don't even think about touching me today!"
"..."
Back in Kamakura, Anon's plan was to make Kitahara Makoto fall for her, and then cruelly dump him. Unfortunately, times had changed, and now she was already deeply immersed and couldn't extricate herself.
"Since summer vacation started, Anon's outfits haven't repeated each time she goes out."
Kitahara Makoto put away his phone with satisfaction:
"Every time I see a brand new Anon, of course I want to photograph her and save it."
"Hmph hmph~" Chihaya Anon hummed twice smugly, raising her delicate chin, her voice clear and bright, "That's natural. At school, I can only wear the uniform. I have so many clothes in my closet; it would be too wasteful not to change outfits during summer vacation."
"I bought Anon a few more cosplay outfits…"
"Perverted uniform fetishist, go away."
"..."
After talking for a while, a Kita hesitantly walked over.
"Perverted Kitahara, the girl you like is here. Aren't you going to greet her?"
Anon crossed her arms over her chest, quickly losing her smile.
Kitahara Makoto: "..."
This Anon liked to act spoiled and was prone to jealousy. Although due to various ties, she tacitly allowed Kitahara Makoto to have a harem, it was completely impossible for her to coexist peacefully with others.
"Kita, good morning."
Under Anon's disdainful gaze, Kitahara Makoto raised his right hand and greeted her as if nothing had happened.
To have a harem, one must be shameless and shameless enough.
And also, one must treat everyone equally.
If there was even a slight hint of favoritism, the vinegar jar would overturn, possibly even leading to a dramatic scene.
"G-good morning…"
Ijichi Nijika tried her best to remain calm, but as her gaze met Kitahara Makoto's, a blush still spread across her small face.
Although it was her body last night, it was indeed her soul. It was not an exaggeration to say that she and Kitahara Makoto had done that kind of thing. Even though she had swapped bodies with Kita-san now, she still couldn't face Kitahara Makoto as easily as before.
"Anon-san, good morning."
Kita-san's eyes shifted, and she smiled at the pink-haired girl beside her.
As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face. Chihaya Anon paused slightly, then unconsciously smiled back, responding:
"Kita-san, good morning."
"I'm going to the bathroom…"
After greeting them, Ijichi Nijika fled in a flash, lest she expose her identity.
Watching Nijika leave, Chihaya Anon's smile immediately vanished, and she puffed out her pink cheeks, looking at Kitahara Makoto:
"Stare—"
Kitahara Makoto raised an eyebrow and said:
"Why are you glaring at me, Anon?"
"I was just about to ask you." Chihaya Anon put her hands on her hips, narrowed her eyes, and said, "It was just a greeting, but Kita-san's face turned red. Perverted Kitahara must have done something very out of line, right?"
Kitahara Makoto was not flustered in the slightest.
At times like this, one cannot simply explain, or this pink-haired girl will only become more jealous. The best way is to turn the tables.
"Do you want to know, Anon?" Kitahara Makoto lowered his voice, "No problem, come to my house tonight."
"Pfft~"
After a brief chat.
Shiraishi Ayane finally arrived by car, followed by a van filled with various costumes, props, and filming equipment, which was quite complete.
There was nothing much to say about filming the movie; he just did whatever he was told. Kitahara Makoto only needed to be responsible for memorizing lines; everything else was handled by specialists.
After a morning passed, Kitahara Makoto confirmed that there was nothing else to do in the afternoon, so he simply excused himself and left. He messaged Bocchi-chan, calling her to go to the Driving School for a theory class together.
The busy day finally ended, and in a blink of an eye, it was evening.
Kitahara Makoto returned home, showered again, then put on his backpack, took Hana, and headed to the old house.
"Kitahara-kun, good afternoon."
A cute girl with brown hair and blue eyes stood in the shade of a tree at the entrance of the old house, her voice gentle and soft, with a travel bag at her feet.
It was Soyo.
"Is it just Soyo alone?"
Kitahara Makoto walked up to Soyo.
"I just arrived not long ago." Nagasaki Soyo raised her hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, a gentle smile on her face, "Sakiko and Mutsumi are together, and Tomori is on her way."
Their eyes met.
Kitahara Makoto suddenly lowered his voice and said:
"Can I discuss something with Soyo?"
"Eh, what is it?" Nagasaki Soyo tilted her head fifteen degrees, the optimal angle for a girl to tilt her head to appear cuter, "Kitahara-kun, tell me first, and then I'll consider whether to agree."
"Although gentle Soyo is very cute, cunning Soyo is even cuter." Kitahara Makoto said softly, "It's fine for Soyo to maintain a gentle image in front of others, but when we're alone, can you not be so gentle?"
Ever since she reconciled with Sakiko, this Soyo had reined in all her cunning, always appearing as a gentle girl next door, making one feel as if something was missing.
Nagasaki Soyo smiled and said:
"I'm sorry, I can't hear what Kitahara-kun is saying."
"Can't hear?"
Kitahara Makoto pondered for two seconds, then said:
"I still prefer the expression Soyo had at the amusement park when she wasn't wearing panties…"
"…"
Nagasaki Soyo's pretty face instantly flushed, her memory dragged back to the wardrobe malfunction scene at the amusement park, and she couldn't help but glare at him in embarrassment and anger:
"I already told you to forget about that!"
"Can't forget." Kitahara Makoto shook his head and said, "That was the first time I saw a girl without panties, how could I possibly forget?"
"Ahhhhhh, you're still talking about it!"
Nagasaki Soyo clenched her fists in shame and anger, wanting to bite him.
"That's right, this is the expression." Kitahara Makoto's eyes lit up, "Keep it up."
"Pfft~"
Nagasaki Soyo couldn't help but lightly spit:
"You don't like being treated gently, but instead like being scorned. Kitahara-kun, you really are a pervert, aren't you?"
"That's wrong." Kitahara Makoto picked up Soyo's travel bag from the ground, opened the door, and walked into the old house, "I like cunning Soyo, and I also like gentle Soyo… In short, I want all of you."
"…"
Nagasaki Soyo's pretty face was hot, and her heart rate unconsciously accelerated. She followed him into the entrance hall.
Just as she entered the door, before she even had a chance to change into slippers, Kitahara Makoto turned around and hugged her.
"You, what are you doing?"
Nagasaki Soyo couldn't help but panic.
Kitahara Makoto's gaze was burning as he said:
"It's been a long time since I kissed Soyo. I want to kiss Soyo."
"We just kissed two days ago, alright." Nagasaki Soyo puffed out her pink cheeks, finally no longer the gentle girl next door, "Hurry up and let go of me, it's so hot, I'm so sticky and uncomfortable."
Kitahara Makoto offered a condition:
"Kiss me once, Soyo, and I'll let go."
"No way."
Nagasaki Soyo refused outright.
You're the one who wants to take advantage of me, and you want me to be proactive? I have my pride too!
Kitahara Makoto lowered his head and pressed his forehead against Soyo's:
"If I have to be proactive, it'll be at least ten minutes, and Soyo wouldn't want everyone to see, right?"
Nagasaki Soyo: "…"
There was no choice; time was tight, and everyone could come over at any moment. If she didn't kiss him, Kitahara would definitely not give up.
Nagasaki Soyo's eyelashes trembled slightly. She could only close her eyes with a flushed face, stand on her tiptoes slightly, and kiss him.
A few minutes later.
The doorbell suddenly rang, interrupting Kitahara Makoto and Nagasaki Soyo's in-depth exchange.
"…Liar!"
Nagasaki Soyo quickly retreated, swiftly raised her hand to wipe away the silvery thread from the corner of her lips, and glared at him, both shy and angry.
He said he would let her go after one kiss, but he didn't at all. Instead, he became even more aggressive, and his hands were even wandering around while kissing…
Big liar!
Nagasaki Soyo covered her lips and scurried into the bathroom. As she brushed past Kitahara Makoto, she even extended her small hand and pinched his waist, but unfortunately, her strength was too small to break his defense.
"Good, keep it up."
Kitahara Makoto wiped his mouth clean, tidied his clothes, and then opened the door.
"Good afternoon."
The two girls outside the door were none other than Sakiko and Mutsumi. The two girls stood side by side, both incredibly beautiful and almost the same height, looking very much like sisters.
"Kitahara-kun, good afternoon."
Togawa Sakiko responded softly.
"Come in quickly." Kitahara Makoto took the travel bags from the two girls' hands, "Soyo just arrived, and Tomori is still on her way, she should be here soon."
As he spoke, the bathroom door was pushed open, and Nagasaki Soyo walked out, clearly having just washed her face, her skin moist and fair, and her voice had returned to its gentle softness:
"I was sweating a lot, so I washed my face."
"Stare—"
Mutsumi suddenly widened her eyes and looked at Kitahara Makoto.
"Mutsumi?" Kitahara Makoto asked inexplicably, "What's wrong?"
"Shoulder." Wakaba Mutsumi extended her right hand and pinched, a long strand of hair appeared between her fingers, and she said expressionlessly, "Makoto-kun's shoulder has one of Soyo's hairs on it."
"…"
No way, you can even see that?
Your eyesight is too good!
"Cough cough." Nagasaki Soyo's pretty face, which had just cooled down, quickly flushed again. She quickly explained, "Th-that… it should be that Kitahara-kun just helped carry the travel bag, and a hair accidentally fell on his shoulder, right?"
Togawa Sakiko silently sighed and turned to glare at Kitahara Makoto:
"Kitahara-kun is really helpful, isn't he?"
When Soyo spoke, her eyes were slightly evasive, so the truth was already obvious.
Although she tacitly approved of the harem, to say she wasn't jealous or didn't care was absolutely impossible.
Kitahara Makoto felt a little guilty and was about to speak when the doorbell rang again.
"I'll get it."
Kitahara Makoto seized the opportunity to slip away.
As expected, it was Tomori at the door.
"Great, everyone's here."
Leading Tomori into the living room, Kitahara Makoto clapped his hands, drawing the girls' attention.
This time going to the Otherworld was mainly for Mutsumi. Anon and Wakaba Mutsumi were not acquainted, so Anon was not called to join the adventure.
"I won't say much about the precautions; everyone knows them." Kitahara Makoto said loudly, "Time is almost up. Everyone, please change into your swimsuits, and we can almost depart."
"…"
The girls naturally had no objection.
The landing point in the Otherworld was in the sea. Once clothes were soaked with seawater, they would become too heavy to swim, so changing into swimsuits was indeed very necessary.
Togawa Sakiko got up from the sofa:
"Mutsumi, let's go upstairs to change."
"Okay."
"…"
A moment later.
Thump thump thump.
Footsteps came from the second floor.
Kitahara Makoto looked over expectantly and saw several girls, having changed into their swimsuits, walking down the stairs one by one.
First to catch his eye was Sakiko. Her swimsuit was light blue and quite conservative in style, but it couldn't completely conceal her ample bosom. Even with her hand covering her chest, she still gave the impression of being about to burst out.
Behind her were Soyo and Tomori. The two girls were similar to Sakiko, perhaps slightly smaller, all of them being "Oppai aliens."
It was a good thing Anon wasn't here, otherwise her self-esteem would have taken a critical hit of ten thousand points!
Finally, Mutsumi, though not large, also had a cleavage, though it was far from comparable to Sakiko or Soyo, it was still better than Kita and Anon.
"Makoto-kun has a very good physique."
Mutsumi spoke, breaking the silence.
Nagasaki Soyo's gaze swept over Kitahara Makoto, her pretty face slightly red, and she said against her true feelings:
"Just barely…"
Mutsumi was exceptionally straightforward:
"I want to touch it."
Nagasaki Soyo: "…"
How could you say such embarrassing things!
Alright.
Mutsumi lacked emotions and did not have such a feeling as shame.
Togawa Sakiko covered her chest with one hand and her lower abdomen with the other, her pretty face slightly flushed, and said:
"I've changed into my swimsuit, shall we go to the Otherworld now?"
"No rush, let's try a prop first…"
Kitahara Makoto spoke as he opened his backpack and took out the Kessoku Band poster.
"Eh?" Nagasaki Soyo blinked her eyes and quickly recognized it, "Is that the poster from Mutsumi's room?"
"That's right, it's that one." Kitahara Makoto explained, "Hana told me at the time that this poster was very special and could be enchanted, so I got it from Mutsumi… Now it has been successfully 'enchanted' by Hana."
Togawa Sakiko raised her hand to her forehead and said:
"Don't blame everything on Hana."
What's wrong with taking the blame?
As the saying goes, 'raise soldiers for a thousand days to use them for an hour.' It's not too much to let Hana take the blame occasionally after feeding her well every day!
Takamatsu Tomori asked curiously:
"Makoto-kun, is there anything special about this poster?"
"I've been too busy these two days. I haven't used the poster since it was successfully enchanted, so I really don't know what's special about it…" Kitahara Makoto said as he walked to the wall, "But we'll know as soon as we stick the poster on the wall."
After being successfully enchanted, this poster already had something special about it, such as not needing glue or anything similar; it just stuck firmly to the wall when placed on it.
"It's done."
Kitahara Makoto clapped his hands and turned to say:
"Sakiko, come and try it, see if you can enter the poster…"
Before he could finish speaking, he saw several girls' eyes widen.
Nagasaki Soyo even exclaimed:
"Eh, eh, eh, Sakiko came out!"
"Hmm?"
Kitahara Makoto quickly turned his head to look at the poster on the wall.
The entire poster emitted a faint glow, and then the five girls inside "came to life," giving the feeling of the portrait characters in "Harry Potter."
The girls in the poster looked around for a while, then walked to the edge of the poster, and then Band Togawa directly "drilled" out.
She was clearly a tiny figure in the poster, but after coming out, for some unknown reason, she directly transformed into a lively, real-life Sakiko.
"Excuse me~"
Band Togawa, who walked out of the poster, had bright eyes, a clear voice, pure and innocent eyes, and a bright smile:
"Soyo, Tomori, Mutsumi… and another me, hello everyone."
"…"
The Kessoku Band poster was photographed last year when the girls were still middle school students, and nothing major had happened to Togawa Sakiko's family yet. In other words… Band Togawa, who walked out of the poster, was 100% pure beloved Togawa.
"Sakiko is back…"
Looking at Band Togawa who walked out of the poster, Nagasaki Soyo subconsciously raised her hand to cover her lips, her eyes filled with pleasant surprise.
She's back.
This was her favorite beloved Togawa.
As she spoke, the other four girls in the poster followed suit and walked out.
"What is this place?"
"Why are you all wearing swimsuits?"
"Wait, why is there a boy?"
"…"
Togawa Sakiko slightly furrowed her brows, took half a step back, and whispered:
"Kitahara-kun, what's going on?"
Kitahara Makoto's mouth twitched slightly:
"…I was wrong."
He originally thought that the meaning of the people in the painting was to allow Sakiko and Soyo to enter and exit the space within the painting, and then use the poster as a storage scroll.
Now he realized that it wasn't humans entering the poster, but rather the characters within the poster walking out!
The Kessoku Band girls clearly knew their identity as "people in the painting." Seeing their own bodies now, they were naturally very curious.
Upon hearing that nearly a year had passed in the real world and that it was now the second summer vacation after the Kessoku Band performance ended, the Kessoku Band girls immediately exploded.
"We're already in high school?"
"It feels so magical…"
"Why are you all wearing swimsuits?"
"Has anything interesting happened this past year?"
"…"
Three girls make a play, and now there were nine girls gathered together, chattering and chatting. Kitahara Makoto only felt his head growing large.