"What?! Yu, what did you just say?!"
In the Nakano household, Ichika, who was lounging on the sofa preparing to enjoy her break, looked shocked after hearing Nakano Yu's explanation.
No, what the hell did it mean that they were going to Shuchi'in Academy?
She had only been at home for one day!
Thinking about it, Ichika felt like her head was going to become bigger than a cup of bubble tea.
"Hm, dad just called and said he wants you Five Sisters to experience the learning atmosphere he had back then."
Nakano Yu, however, nodded calmly. He remembered that during the entrance exam he could have entered Shuchi'in Academy and been first on the ranking list.
But the Five Sisters' grades were not ideal, and with Shinomiya Group as the financial backing of Shuchi'in Academy, Nakano Maruo had no room to maneuver.
Although Nakano Yu could take the Five Sisters to Shuchi'in Academy, after talking with Ichika and the others, he learned that they didn't have a very good impression of Shuchi'in Academy.
It seemed to be because of Nakano Maruo.
Is the current Nakano Maruo exceptional?
Very exceptional. After his wife passed away, he worked hard, raised three children by himself, and built the large Nakano Medical Technology financial conglomerate.
But that doesn't mean Nakano Maruo has no flaws. At least from his family's perspective, Nakano Maruo couldn't be considered a good father.
The Five Sisters had contact with Nakano Maruo only a few times a year, let alone going out together for fun.
It seemed that Nakano Maruo was always busy, but they didn't know what he was actually occupied with.
Even when something happened, Nakano Maruo would only call Nakano Yu. Moreover, he was only concerned with the Five Sisters' education, and even less so after they failed the entrance exam for Shuchi'in Academy.
And all of this the Five Sisters attributed to the elite education of Shuchi'in Academy.
They felt that it was precisely such education that made Nakano Maruo lose the idea of being a good father and instead devote himself completely to his career.
In reality, the Five Sisters were wrong. Although the educational model of Shuchi'in Academy was indeed elitist, at the core of that elite education lay a student environment resembling a miniature society.
All students attending Shuchi'in Academy were either sons and daughters of wealthy families, or at the very least, exceptionally gifted students.
This meant that the most important thing in Shuchi'in Academy was not academic grades, but interpersonal relationships.
As long as a good relationship was established with the future leader of a large financial conglomerate, even if it meant becoming his lackey, there would no longer be any need to worry about the future.
Nakano Maruo also possessed an extremely strong business instinct, which allowed him to stand out among his peers and become a leading figure in Tokyo's medical industry, even in all of Japan.
"I don't really like the learning atmosphere at Shuchi'in Academy, but if Yu goes…"
Even usually cheerful Yotsuba frowned slightly, with a displeased expression.
Although Toyonosaki also had her small cliques, there was rarely the kind of power climbing that could be seen in Shuchi'in Academy.
Yotsuba didn't like that; in fact, she found it repulsive.
"Is Yu going?"
Miku raised her head, her blue eyes meeting the boy's gaze.
"The old man gave a death order. After all, he raised him personally."
Nakano Yu scratched his head. He had never seen Nakano Maruo so serious before and didn't know what had happened.
"I understand. If Yu goes, then I'll go too."
Nodding, Miku's tone was firm. She had no particular goals or dreams, but she knew she would feel at ease if she was with Yu.
"Actually, it's not impossible to go and see. After all, it's only two weeks."
Nino said this. It wasn't that she was particularly interested in learning; she was just worried about Nakano Yu.
Of course, she wasn't worried that Nakano Yu would be bullied at Shuchi'in Academy. After all, given his personality, who could bully him? Or rather, who would dare?
Nino was worried that Nakano Yu might flirt with others at Shuchi'in Academy.
After all, that guy could shamelessly admit in front of her that he wanted to start a harem.
How could Nino be calm leaving Nakano Yu alone in Shuchi'in Academy, which was full of rich young ladies?
"Hm, I wonder what kind of dishes the Shuchi'in Academy restaurant will have?"
Itsuki wasn't thinking that far. She certainly had to study diligently. She had her own dreams and goals she wanted to achieve, so studying couldn't be interrupted.
Although Nakano Yu could teach her at home, Itsuki knew Yu also had his own duties and dreams he pursued, so she couldn't constantly rely on him.
"Eh, you're all going to school? Really… I was thinking of lazing around a bit more, but… it's boring to be alone at home, so let's go together."
Seeing Nino and Miku give in, Ichika scratched her head and said helplessly.
She really didn't like going to school. Her dream was to become a big star, but why did she still have to study math and science?!
Looking at the Five Sisters in that state, a satisfied smile also appeared on Nakano Yu's face.
Since the Five Sisters were going, Nakano Yu naturally didn't oppose it. In any case, there was nothing to do at home.
It was better then to go to Shuchi'in Academy and watch legs.
Wait?!
If he remembered correctly, Shuchi'in Academy's school uniform didn't look like a skirt?
Tsk, damn feudalism!
Unaware of this, twilight slowly fell. Nothing special had happened all day in the Nakano household, and soon it was time for dinner.
But looking at the night outside the window, the boy who was cooking had a feeling that something was missing today.
If he had to say, it seemed that… the daily tasks hadn't been refreshed yet?
"Not until midnight again?"
The boy murmured, but the system, of course, didn't respond, and he didn't want to think too much either.
It was better to quickly finish dinner now. After all, tomorrow they were going to Shuchi'in Academy, so the Five Sisters should rest early tonight, or Ichika would oversleep again.
At that moment, Japan, true to its name, was shrouded in various neon lights.
As usual, people wandered the streets: students who had finished school but didn't want to go home, and office workers who had finished work but still had to drink with their superiors.
This usual scene seemed as if the previous appearance of Amaterasu had no impact on the people.
However, there was one girl whose presence was in complete contrast to that environment.
The girl was wearing a Toyonosaki school uniform. Her slim figure was tightly wrapped in the uniform, so it was hard to tell whether the uniform was too small or the girl had simply grown.
Even more striking were the girl's long legs, clad in high socks, which could truly be described as unparalleled beauty.
The girl's name was Kasumigaoka Utaha. She should have been home four hours ago. The reason she was still on her way home was that she went to Fujimi Shobo, Fantasia Bunko publishing.
Yes, Kasumigaoka Utaha was a light novel author for Fantasia Bunko, but… probably not for much longer.
Because her editor had told her something: her work, Love Metronome, was about to be canceled!
This was not a rumor; it came directly from Kasumigaoka Utaha's editor, Machida Sonoko. And Machida Sonoko had given this prediction after analyzing the sales of the first volume of Love Metronome:
"This book will be canceled by the third volume!"
For Kasumigaoka Utaha, Love Metronome was like her child.
Kasumigaoka Utaha hadn't expected her debut work to attract huge attention or gain many fans. She only wanted Love Metronome to have a decent ending, at least… not be canceled.
Fortunately, her editor, Machida Sonoko, said there was still a chance to turn things around, with the upcoming second volume of Love Metronome!
If the sales of the second volume were significantly higher than the first, and if the publisher saw the value of Love Metronome, it might not be canceled, and the publisher might even allocate certain resources to her!
As for that, Kasumigaoka Utaha couldn't say there was no hope at all.
After all, she wanted Love Metronome to become better and better, but the current problem was that Kasumigaoka Utaha was losing confidence.
She wasn't sure if her second volume could really help her avoid the fate of cancellation. Maybe it could, but… for what comes later, Kasumigaoka Utaha couldn't be sure.
"Sigh."
Sighing, the girl thought it was already too late to cook at home, as it would be a waste of time. She turned and headed toward the nearby 7-Eleven by the road.
However, shortly after turning, the dim streetlight in the distance suddenly flickered.
"Ding ding ~ click!"
The streetlamp made a strange sound, its light went out for a moment, then immediately turned on again.
But under that streetlamp, a silhouette suddenly appeared.
Small, like a dog, but… exuding a very unusual feeling.
After a while, Kasumigaoka Utaha exited the 7-Eleven.
She wasn't particularly good at cooking, but since she lived alone, she still knew how to cook. Still, the taste was just average – not bad, but not particularly delicious either.
Because of this, Kasumigaoka Utaha now rarely cooked alone. The reason was simple: it was exhausting.
The time needed for cooking was enough to make several cups of instant noodles. Moreover, due to the possible cancellation of the third volume of Love Metronome, she didn't have much appetite and could only manage somehow.
Lost in thought, Kasumigaoka Utaha carried her bag and left the busy part of the city.
But as soon as she left the busy area, the atmosphere around her instantly changed.
Dim streetlights, closed shops with lights off, and dark, narrow alleys made Kasumigaoka Utaha feel somewhat scared for no particular reason.
"Gulp, better take this route."
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Kasumigaoka Utaha chose another path, where the streetlights were still on.
Although she considered herself a tough realist, Kasumigaoka Utaha had watched many horror movies. She would never stubbornly choose a dark, abandoned alley without lights just to save a little time, only to encounter something strange and get into trouble.
Are you kidding? She wasn't an idiot. Even if there really was nothing supernatural, what if she ran into thugs or drunkards?
Today she hadn't brought pepper spray or an electro-shocker. For safety, it was better to choose the other route.
Thinking this, Kasumigaoka Utaha immediately headed toward the main street with the streetlights on.
However, Kasumigaoka Utaha had forgotten one thing.
Namely, one who has already been marked will be caught no matter where they run!
How could a hunter let their prey go?
Kasumigaoka Utaha hadn't gone far when the strong light of the streetlamp behind her suddenly darkened, as if it were a lamp covered in dust for almost a year, barely still able to emit light.
That light was dim and heavy.
That light cast a shadow.
It looked like a dog, but… its face was very strange, not like a dog's head, but… a human face!