'The Chairman of the Shinomiya Group? Yusei's Kendo master?'
The sudden information left the Kazami couple stunned, looking at the old man somewhat at a loss.
Koken sighed. While having the medical staff take Yusei and Shiro away, he explained the entire situation to the Kazami Couple.
"That's how things are. I apologize for not having the opportunity to explain this to you sooner. I assume that kid, Kazami Yusei, didn't tell you either."
"No, Yusei... never mentioned any of this. Actually, we were also very surprised about him winning the Kendo Championship, but since he didn't say anything, we didn't feel it was right to ask."
"In any case, that's the situation. I deeply regret that this has happened. Actually... my granddaughter is also in that game."
Kanako couldn't help but gasp slightly, looking at the old man before her in disbelief.
"The young lady of the Shinomiya Family... is in there too?"
For some reason, Kanako suddenly felt a bit of relief in her heart.
Perhaps it was a non-existent comfort derived from comparison?
But even so, the comfort was still there. At least Kanako and Akira felt a little lighter.
"All we can hope for now is that they remain strong..." Koken said, then looked at Akira, Yusei's father.
"Would you like to come work for the Shinomiya Group?"
Akira was taken aback. He was tempted, but then he shook his head.
"N-No... it's fine as it is now. I just hope you will take good care of Yusei and Shiro, Chairman Shinomiya."
Seeing Akira decline his offer, a glint of approval appeared in Koken's eyes.
He nodded, "Don't worry. Yusei is my disciple, and Shiro is my disciple's beloved younger sister. I will naturally take good care of them."
"In that case, thank you very much."
…
The Okita Household.
Souji was practicing her sword techniques in the dojo. Her little maidservant came running from afar, holding a tablet, a smile on her face.
"Young Mistress, good news! That Shinomiya Kaguya who's always competing with you is trapped in that death game."
Hearing her maid's words, Souji's sharp slashing motion suddenly halted.
The maid didn't notice and continued gleefully, "And that Kazami Yusei, who just happened to beat you, is in there too. Haha."
'Kazami Yusei?'
At this, Souji's movements became completely disordered. She nearly stumbled and fell.
She regained her composure and looked at the little maid.
"You're saying... Kazami Yusei, the boy who defeated me, is also in that game?"
"Yes! They've been moved to the Shinomiya Group's hospital now, but so far there's no solution. It'd be best if they never come out..."
The little maid chattered on excitedly by herself, not noticing the dazed expression on her Young Mistress's face.
Souji's heart was incredibly conflicted, filled with an indescribable discomfort.
'What exactly am I feeling bad about? Is it... because of him?'
For some reason, Souji's memory returned to that day.
Her, in that demonized state. The red blood moon she saw in her subconscious. His pair of red eyes.
It was because of him that she was saved from that demonized state. Perhaps it was because she wanted his help the next time she lost control...
'My... scabbard. Stay safe.'
…
The events happening outside were unknown to Yusei and the others in the game world.
A week had passed since Kayaba's appearance.
Having spent a week in the game world, Yusei didn't know how much time had passed outside. He had only asked Kayaba to calculate the player clearance rate and adjust the external time to pass only 3 months.
He didn't know the specific time ratio and couldn't be bothered to ask Kayaba.
Yusei and Shiro, coordinating perfectly, took down a field mini-boss and finally relaxed.
He opened his menu to check his level.
'Level 25... That was fast. Not bad.'
Looking at Shiro and Kaguya in his party, they were level 24 and 20 respectively.
He couldn't help but glance at Kaguya and tease her.
"Young Lady, your leveling speed is too slow. I feel like you'll hold us back if this continues."