22nd June, 9:55 am.

Carrying the bag that contained new swimsuits and towels he bought yesterday, Shidou stood near the Pachi statue in front of the east entrance of Tenguu Station.

That was the name of a bronze statue of a seated dog. It was already pretty famous as a meeting point at Tenguu Station, however it is even more famous as a loyal dog; although its real name is hardly mentioned. The truth is that even Shidou did not know its name as well.

"....Ah—"

Shidou lightly groaned while supporting his head with his hand. Due to yesterday's incident where he lost consciousness, he awoke to find himself in <Fraxinus>'s medical bay.

Although they did basic checks as well as an IV drip, he could still feel some pain in his head.

"Are you alright, Shidou-kun?"

At this moment, Kannazuki's voice rang out from the transmitter. That was to be expected, since Kotori was unable to give the orders, Kannazuki had to take charge.

"Yes....I guess so."

Saying that, Shidou, 'Pa!' 'Pa!', used both hands to slap his cheeks.

Although he was worried about what happened yesterday, but now was not the time to pay attention to that.

No matter what, Shidou has to date Kotori and accomplish his capture of her by today.

Although it is a massive task, but if he were to be unable to accomplish this by today, Kotori's consciousness would be devoured by the power of the spirits. There's no room to be careless here.

"Have you memorized the plan? We will provide assistance from our side. Don't worry, you are the playboy savior who has conquered several spirits. Do show some confidence in yourself."

"....Haa."

Kannazuki's encouragement (?) caused Shidou to smile bitterly. What should he say, it really is a depressing nickname.

At this moment, Reine's monotonous voice sounded out from his transmitter.

".....It seems like Kotori has reached the surface. She should be arriving at your location soon. I'll leave the rest to you, Shin."

"——Uh, al, alright."

Saying that, Shidou took in deep breaths in order to regulate his breathing.

Not too long later, a small figure walked over from the streets.

Wearing a short sleeved T-shirt decorated with cute frills over a short one piece dress and carrying a bag with her swimsuit in her hand. She had her long hair tied into two bunches with black ribbons.

Although they haven't met for two nights, but he felt that the situation was slightly off. It could be because she was still the Kotori that he knew which was why he could calm down.

"Hey, there, Kotori."

"Nn, I've kept you waiting."

Shidou raised his hand in greeting and Kotori replied whilst nodding her head.

....Following that, was silence.

"....Shin, why are you silent. First of all you should——"

The same time Reine spoke, Kotori let out an exasperated sigh.

"Staying silent after meeting with a girl who put in effort into dressing up? I should have taught you about this already right?"

"....! Ah, aaah——"

That was indeed the case. He had already been taught this during that time when Tohka appeared, but he had forgotten it somehow.

Shidou intended to speak as prompted——when he realized something.

"You dressed....up?"

"....Uh."

Shidou asked, and Kotori's shoulders jolted slightly.

"Hmph, that's right. It's a formality for dates after all. Furthermore I think that doing so would make Shidou perform better. ....Well, if I were to be praised for it, I won't dislike it...."

"Eh?"

"It's nothing. That aside, the train's arriving soon isn't it?"

Kotori left it as such, and ran to the station before she turned around to face Shidou.

"Well then——let our?datebattle?begin."

Saying that, she looked at Shidou's face and smiled.

"Oo....oh."

A familiar phrase. Shidou audibly gulped and nodded.

At that moment.

"Umu!"

"He, hello...."

[Iya—I'm looking forward to this——]

After replying to Kotori, three voices sounded out which got Shidou confused.

Having a bad feeling about this, he turned his head in the direction of the voices——and Shidou's body froze in place.

That's because standing right there were Tohka and Yoshino who looked like they were going on a trip.

"Tohka, Yoshino....and Yoshinon....!? Wh, why are you two here in a place like this?"

"Nu?"

Tohka inclined her head in wonder.

"What are you talking about? Aren't we going to the Ocean Park?"

"Wh——Why do you know about that!?"

"Even if you ask me why...."

Tohka frowned at Shidou's apparent feelings of animosity.

Following that, Yoshino timidly spoke, as though adding on to Tohka's words.

"That's....Reine-san she, said....so we came, um....are we causing trouble....again?"

"....Guh!?"

Shidou held his breath. After which, without even waiting for Shidou to prompt, a voice sounded out from the transmitter.

"....Aah, that's right. It seems like I haven't told you yet. They are tagging along for today's date."

"Wh, what's wrong with this...."

Sweat rolled down Shidou's cheek as he asked. It's true that there was such a thing as group dates, but since they've said that it was a date then they should have went with the conventional two person date instead.

Reine paused for a while before continuing.

"....Well, I was just wondering if the important person of today would mind the date being like this."

"Ha, haa...."

Reine said flatly. Although it doesn't sound like she isn't reflecting on the possibility that she screwed up....but he was still uneasy about this. Shidou lowered his voice and asked.

"However, is that really alright? Kotori's mood is...."

"....Hm, you don't have to worry about it that much."

"Is, is that so....?"

Saying that he snuck a peek at Kotori behind him.

Towards Tohka and company's sudden appearance, Kotori still had the same expression as before, however....

"...."

Shidou's cheeks wordlessly twitched. Upon seeing that there was no change in her expression, Shidou started to relax for an instant but——he soon realized that he had made a wrong judgement.

"....Heeh, you really got guts huh, Shi, dou. I'm really looking forward to this." Kotori's expression remained unchanged, but the atmosphere behind her has changed significantly as she spoke with a smiling face. To put it in the words of a manga, the terrifying sound effects [Gogogogogogo....] would be drawn into the background.

"No, th, that was...."

Shidou voiced out in protest, using his finger to tap the transmitter, he let out a faint sound of protest.

"Isn't this just impossible....! There's a bad vibe in the air somehow....!"

"....Is that so. I thought it wouldn't have become like this...."

"Ho, how's Kotori's feelings and amiability meter now....!?"

Whilst on a date with a spirit, Reine should have a specialized realizer unit to monitor the target's mental state.

"........"

However Reine kept silent for a while,

"....Hm, well, about that, how to put it. ....Good luck."

She said that with an irresponsible tone. ....It seems that the unit had displayed extremely dangerous numbers.

"Ah, hold on, Reine-san....!"

As Shidou shouted with feelings of despair, Kotori quickly walked over to Tohka and Yoshino's side. Patting the backs of the two as she did so.

"Well, we should go then. Have you brought your swimsuits?"

Kotori inquired, the two of them who were dejected due to Shidou's response quickly brightened up.

"Oooh! Of course!"

"The swimsuits, yesterday....Shidou-san had, bought them...."

"Heeh, not bad. ——How thoughtful, Shidou?"

Saying that, Kotori cast her gaze at Shidou's direction. Although her tone and expressions were extremely gentle, it gave him a terrifying chill as though it would freeze his very innards.

"Hyi...."

"Now, let's move along then."

Shidou shuddered, while Kotori led Tohka and Yoshino to the ticketing area.

"Shidou-kun, let's catch up with them first! There's still time to salvage the situation. We will provide assistance at the intended location as well."

"I, I understand...."

Once Kannazuki finished speaking, Shidou forced himself to take a step forward.

....They've barely started, yet Shidou felt that it has now become a date with many obstacles in front of him.

Ocean Park was the theme park located at Eibu Station five stations away from Tenguu Station.

The park was fashioned with various swimming facilities and large bathing areas, built with the thought of having the fairground as the exterior attraction and the pool as the interior attraction. If it was the summer holidays, it would be the perfect place to build familial or love relations.

That being said, it was currently mid-June. Although the indoor facilities and the fairground can be used throughout the year, but due to the fact that the outdoor pool that was the main attraction had to wait till next month before it could be opened, there were a lot less visitors compared to the peak period.

Well, it wasn't like the summer news where waves upon waves of visitors were present, it could be said that it was an excellent chance for a date.

Pondering upon such things, Shidou, who had finished changing, walked out of the changing room and into the indoor pool.

Looks like the girls have not yet finished changing. Shidou inclined his body and stretched, turning his neck as he looked around his surroundings.

"Oooh....this is really amazing."

The area covered by the semi-circular ceiling lay right over the gigantic swimming pool, and at the back, a water slide built like a cliff was placed.

It was a setup that triggered the males' sense of adventurousness.

"It's alright to feel excited, but do remember about the commander alright?"

Kannazuki's words came through the transmitter as though advising him.

"I, I know that. ....Then again this communicator, is it alright if it gets in the water?"

"....Aaah, it is a model that is entirely waterproof. You just have to make sure that it does not fall out from your ear."

Reine was the one who replied to him. As soon as she was done speaking, an energetic voice came from behind Shidou.

"shidou! Sorry we kept you waiting!"

Shidou turned his head around and standing right there were Tohka, Yoshino and Kotori who had finished changing.

What Tohka and Yoshino were wearing were, as Shidou had thought, the swimsuits that Shidou had bought for them yesterday.

Tohka's swimsuit was a light purple bikini, Yoshino's on the other hand was a pink swimsuit that had frills on the waistline area just like a miniskirt. Yoshino did not look like she had gotten used to changing clothes yet. ....Well, Kotori probably had to lend her a hand with that.

It was not known whether the two had gotten used to the swimsuits or it was due to the fact that the visitors around them were wearing similar clothing but they were no longer feeling as embarrassed compared to yesterday. The two of them ran to Shidou's side in small steps.

"....Um, oh."

Shidou lightly raised his hand in reply, letting out a sigh of relief at the same time.

Whether it was Tohka or Yoshino, they were both beautiful girls that could be called [rare] and [one in a million]. In truth, Shidou would probably have forgotten about Kotori and be mesmerized by them if he had not met them before.

"....It was a good thing we did this huh, coach."

As though seeing through Shidou's mind, Reine spoke to him. Shidou frowned slightly.

"....Don't tell me that you already had the intention to do so when you took Tohka and Yoshino there yesterday? And the reason you made me buy those swimsuits is for...."

"....Haa, I'm not too sure."

Reine replied half-heartedly. Shidou made a long sigh.

Tohka on the other hand yelled loudly, not noticing that dejected sigh of his.

"Oooh! This is so amazing! There are actually mountains and rivers inside a building!"

Yoshino who was following behind too was seen in a rare excited mood. She started to speak while slightly flushed and breathed rapidly. [Yoshinon] on her left hand started clapping as well.

"Th, there's water everywhere....!"

[Ha——! I'm getting excited——!]

"shidou, can we go into that lake!?"

"Aaah, of course. Besides that was meant for playing in the first place."

After Shidou answered Tohka's question, her eyes seemed to sparkle as she started exclaiming.

"Right! Let's go Yoshino!"

"Al, alright....!"

The energetic duo ran towards the pool. Shidou stared at their backs——

"They're so full of energy, those two."

The voice from behind made Shidou jump.

"Um, oh, Kotori."

Saying that he turned around. Just as Shidou had expected, standing there was Kotori who had finished changing along with Tohka and Yoshino with her arms folded and a Chupa Chups in her mouth. A white two-piece swimsuit. The top had a stringed design that was tied behind the neck, mildly exuding an erotic feel.

"........"

Speaking of which, he had not seen Kotori in a swimsuit for several years already.

As their parents were not at home, the civilization at the Itsuka residence had significantly devolved. Of course due to the presence of swimming lessons in the summer, he had washed and folded Kotori's school swimsuit before, but he had never seen Kotori's usual swimsuit till now.

Shidou's dazed look made Kotori frown in suspicion.

"What's wrong with you, staring like that. Although in terms of biology, sexual relations between close relatives don't apply here, but there's no cure if you feel aroused from your sister you know?"

"....! It, it's not like that!"

Shidou hastily replied. Kotori on the other hand shrugged her shoulders whilst saying "Aaah, is that so?".

"....What in the world are you doing, Shin?"

At this moment, Reine's voice entered into his right ear.

"Eh?"

"....Haven't I told you already? The other party had spent time and effort into dressing up. You should at least say something right?"

"Ah——"

What she said was indeed true. Shidou coughed lightly, facing Kotori once again.

"Koto, Kotori."

"? What do you want?"

Kotori half-opened her eyes and replied. Shidou was at a loss for words in an instant. ....He had only realized just now that it was extremely embarrassing to compliment someone.

"....Go on."

After some encouragement from Reine, Shidou turned his line of sight away slightly and slightly parted his lips.

"Um, that is....how do I put this, it, it suits you, that swimsuit. It....looks extremely cute, that's how....I think."

He squeezed out those lines with a stuttering that was even worse than Yoshino.

"...."

Kotori's eyes widened and her cheeks reddened slightly. ——However, she quickly shook her head, showing an arrogant smile, she pointed the stick of the lollipop to the sky with her mouth.

"Ara, thanks. That was probably Reine or Kannazuki prompting you to compliment me right?"

"Guh...."

Bull's-eye, Shidou made a groan. However, he would be admitting it if he stayed silent. Shidou had no choice but to continue to speak.

"N, no, they didn't. I'm telling the truth."

Honestly, he felt that Kotori in her swimsuit looked cute from the bottom of his heart. Although he was a little clumsy in saying it out, he was not lying.

Kotori snorted, surprisingly showing a teasing smile.

"Heeh, I'm really flattered. ......Then, where and how exactly am I cute?"

"Huh......, eh, well......"

"......Hm, it's time for us to work now."

At this moment, Reine's voice spoke into his right ear.

In the airspace that was further away, Kannazuki Kyohei, the vice-commander of the airship <Fraxinus> that was currently floating above the Ocean Park, stood near the commander's seat and yelled loudly.

"Now's the time for everyone of us to show our strength!"

Although it was temporary, but Kannazuki had the absolute authority to command the ship at present. It would be alright for him to sit in the commander's seat——however he did not do so.

That seat belongs to Kotori. Since he believes that she would return, he must never dirty that seat. ......To put it simply, instead of saying that he wants to sit in that seat, he would rather be the seat itself.

After that, following Kannazuki's voice, on the main screen that displayed the current situation at the pool, the window showing three options materialized.

① "Everything! Kotori looks cute no matter what she wears!"

② "Although that swimsuit looks rather plain, but it is quite unique. It looks great"

③ "Aaah, those budding breasts are irresistible."

"Everybody, choose!"

As Kannazuki had ordered, the tabulated result swiftly showed on the monitor at his hand.

More than half chose ①, followed by ②, ③ on the other hand only had one vote.

"Umu, mostly everyone chose ① huh. Well, that is to be expected I guess."

Kannazuki used his hand to support his chin as he pondered. Following that, the voices of the crew members below the bridge could be heard.

"Hm, even though it might be old-fashioned, but saying this would probably improve her mood."

"Although ② is not a bad choice, but it does place too much emphasis on the swimsuit."

"As for ③...... Well, it goes without saying right?

"Is that so?"

Kannazuki lightly nodded, moving close to the microphone and said.

"Shidou, choose ③. 'Aaah, those budding breasts are irresistible.'"

——After one second.

"......EHHHHH!?"

The voices of the crew members of <Fraxinus> as well as Shidou's own wonderfully overlapped with each other.

"Vi, Vice-commander——Are you nuts! The opponent is Commander Itsuka here!?"

"Didn't we say that ③ is already out of the question!"

Below the bridge, voices of disapproval......or dismay sounded out. However Kannazuki slowly spread both his arms out to stop them, and spoke to them.

"It's exactly because the target is Commander Itsuka......that's why."

"Eh......?"

Kannazuki's easygoing tone of speech caused the crew members to lose their aggressiveness. Kannazuki smiled, and pointed his finger to the monitor that had Kotori's image wearing a swimsuit.

"See here everyone. That slender, beautiful, puerile body of hers. That moment in time where a thirteen year old girl is in the second year in middle school......She's already irresistible. That's all there is to it really."

"In the end isn't it just the Vice-commander's tastes! Saying that would only lead to getting kicked by the commander!?"

The crew's words made Kannazuki widen his eyes.

"Y, you are able to receive a reward from this, isn't this just perfect!"

"That's why we're telling you to......"

The crew members who have long forgotten their formalities grabbed their heads. However at this period, they've long exceeded the time limit. Shidou's slightly impatient voice came through the speakers.

"......Is, is this really okay......?"

"Yeah, of course. It's fine to change the words from 'breasts' to 'boobs' if you want.[4D 1]"

"......I'll go with the former way of speaking then."

In a bid to stop Shidou, the crew members repeatedly pressed the switch of the microphone, however the commander's seat had the highest priority. Shidou faced Kotori with renewed determination.

"Th, that is......ah."

Shidou's face twitched, staring at Kotori's chest. Although he felt that it was a crazy choice, but since it was generated by <Fraxinus>'s AI, it should have been approved by the crew beforehand. There must be some special meaning behind this. Relying in his trust in the crew, Shidou spoke.

"Well, those budding breasts are irresistible."

"Wha....!?"

The instant Shidou spoke, Kotori's cheeks dyed crimson and she swiftly used both hands to cover her chest.

"You, what are you saying....! You were actually thinking of such things!?"

"N, no, it's not like that....!"

Shidou hastily waved his hand and an alarm sound went off in his right ear. An ominous sound that he had heard before. It was the emergency alarm that would sound off whenever a spirit's emotions and amity significantly worsens or when their mental state becomes unstable.

"C, calm down Kotori! That was....!"

"....Shin, it's an emergency."

As though trying to interrupt Shidou's explanation, Reine's voice sounded out.

"I know! But first I need to think of a way to get Kotori to calm down——"

"....You're wrong, I'm not talking about this side."

"Eh....?"

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa——!?"

At the same time Shidou made a stupid reply, a deafening wail echoed throughout the pool.

"Wh, what's going on!?"

"Shidou, over there!"

Kotori pointed to the centre of the shallow pool.

Over there was the pool that had a part of it turned into an ice rink, as well as the bawling figure of Yoshino.

"....About that, because Yoshinon was washed away by the current, she panicked."

Thirty minutes passed after the mysterious iceberg had appeared in the pool.

Shidou used Kotori's handheld hair dryer to dry [Yoshinon] that was back on Yoshino's left hand, sighing aloud as he did so.

It was fortunate that not much of a commotion was raised over it, and the pool had returned to the bustling atmosphere like before, however Yoshino dejectedly lowered her shoulders. Tohka was curling up in a ball with her.

"I'm, sor....ry, really...."

"Umu....how embarrassing. I was on the scene too and yet...."

"Well, you don't have to mind it that much. There weren't any casualties after all."

Shidou said to the two, Kotori who was standing at one side took over and spoke as well.

"That's right. Everything was the responsibility of our careless Shidou here, you don't need to mind at all."

"....Oi."

Shidou waved the hair dryer, stroking [Yoshinon]'s head.

"That's better, it's about dry now. Are you alright, Yoshinon?"

As Shidou said that, [Yoshinon] shook its body like a dog, placing a hand on its chest as it heaved heavily.

"Iya——Iya——....That was really a great adventure——. I thought I was a goner for sure——"

"Sorry....Yoshinon."

"Ahhh, it's alright it's alright. We're already reunited after all, in the end it's all right Yoshino."

"Mm...."

Yoshino stroked [Yoshinon]'s head, nodding forcefully.

Looking at the scene while Kotori shrugged her shoulders.

"....Well, if we're unclear about the situation then we shouldn't force ourselves. ——I remember that they rent out swimming tubes over there, let's get one shall we?"

"? Swimming tube?"

Tohka tilted her head in suspicion. Kotori said, "Ah——", raising one finger and drawing circles in the air, looking upwards as she did so.

"Well seeing is believing. It's much faster if we go there and have a look. Let's go."

Saying that, Kotori stepped out. Tohka and Yoshino followed behind her.

"Wa, wait for me."

Shidou folded the hair dryer, chasing after the trio. ——Along the way, Kotori suddenly leaned close. As though she did not want to be overheard by Tohka and Yoshino.

"Wh, what's the matter? Is something wrong?"

"....Yeah, um, about just now."

"Just now?"

"....About which part am I cute."

"——!"

Saying that, Shidou felt his heart forcibly contract. He originally thought that he had avoided the issue thanks to Yoshino, however it seems that it wouldn't be that simple. As expected of Black Kotori in Commander Mode. The incarnation of sadism who, once she caught on to the opponent's weakness, would pursue it till he cries in defeat.

"A, about that...."

Shidou tried to dispute that statement with much difficulty, but Kotori continued to speak as though ignoring him.

"That was....just now, they were <Fraxinus>'s instructions weren't they? Or....were that, really Shidou's thoughts?"

"Eh, no, no, that was...."

"....Your real feelings, right?"

As though whispering to the devil inside Shidou's heart, Reine’s voice sounded out from his right ear. However....if he replied at such a close range he would undoubtedly be noticed by Kotori. Shidou forced down his thoughts.

"....Since Kotori is more or less aware of our presence, then if you just follow <Ratatoskr>’s instructions all the way, you’d just be reading from a script. Even if you know it deep down in your mind, but your emotions will still have an effect on it somehow. Lies and feelings cannot coexist."

It was just as she said. Shidou grit his teeth, turning to look at Kotori.

"That was....Well, it was really from....the bottom of my heart."

“........"

Saying that, Kotori was speechless.

....Uhu. Although there was no way out but he said it nonetheless. Heartily saying the false truth. Shidou looked to the sky in despair.

——He would undoubtedly be looked down upon. He would be seen as a lust incarnate that would have evil designs on his little sister. He would most probably be seen as a lolicon that loved bodies that were in the midst of puberty. He would definitely be looked upon as a person who liked ecchi stuff, kneeling on the floor while getting kicked. Even if it did happen to him right now it would not seem unnatural. Such thoughts caused Shidou’s brain to short circuit.

However after several seconds, neither the violent punches nor the harsh scoldings came.

Turning back while feeling confused, Kotori lowered her head with a red face for some reason.

“....Hmph. ....Is that so."

Mumbling those words, she used her hands to gently touch her modest breasts that were covered by the swimsuit.

“Kotori?"

“...."

After Shidou called out her name, Kotori’s shoulders shook and she gave a hook to Shidou’s diaphragm.

“Guoh....!?"

“....Hmph! With just that, death is too good a lesson for you."

Saying that she turned her face, quickly leading Tohka and Yoshino away.

“Nu? What happened to shidou?"

“It looks like....he’s in, pain...."

"Hmph, don't pay too much attention to him. It's a relapse of some problem with his diaphragm. Don't get too close. You'll be infected."

Kotori placed her hands on Tohka and Yoshino's shoulders while explaining.

"Th, that girl......"

Shidou held his throbbing stomach, intending to chase after the backs of Kotori and the two. At that moment, a message from <Fraxinus> echoed inside his eardrums.

"......Shin, hold on. There are several <Fraxinus> staff members mixed in the crowd there. Why don't you let them be hit on for a while?"

"You're saying......to let them be picked up?"

"......That's right, just let it be like in those dramas, when the girls are being held hostage by delinquents, a hero gallantly enters the scene, how's that?"

"Is that alright, this. It somehow feels like I would be beaten up......"

As Shidou said that uneasily, this time it was Kannazuki who replied with a voice full of confidence.

"It's alright. No matter how girls act on the outside, deep down inside they are always hoping for a prince on a white horse. I am well aware of that fact."

"Isn't Kannazuki-san a man?"

"I crossdress from time to time."

"......"

Although it felt like he had just heard some amazing confession, but Shidou pretended to ignore what he had just heard and looked in Kotori's direction. The female trio had already queued up at the counter that had small boats and swimming tubes displayed and it seemed like they were in the midst of filling out the loaning form.

"......Now, the staff members who are in disguise are going to make their move. Shin you have to chase them away bravely."

"Ah, hold on——"

Without waiting for Shidou to finish, Reine's voice vanished. Almost at the same time, three men inched closer to the girls who had finished the process with the loan. Discoloured hair and tanned skin. They looked like delinquents who had nothing to do.

The men smiled and waved, and started a conversation with Kotori and the others.

"Hello——. Hey hey you three, where are you from?"

"Just the three of you? That's a waste."

"If it's okay with you, can you all accompany us?"

And with that-->>

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