"In the Don't Starve world, it will be very dangerous after dark," Natsuki said seriously, "For safety's sake, let's go back to the cave first."
"Alright then."
Chika reluctantly agreed.
Diving and catching fish was super fun.
The two walked to the shore together, and Chika then realized she was still wearing her underwear, her pretty face flushed slightly, and she quickly covered her body and ran to a corner to put on her clothes.
As for Kaguya and the others, they had already finished bathing and returned to the shore.
Of course, Kaguya and the others were not idle; they had been searching for supplies by the sea—
There was a sunken cruise ship in the sea, and things would occasionally float out and be washed ashore by the seawater.
However, most of them were miscellaneous items like plastic bottles, slippers, towels, etc., and not of much value.
"Mom!"
The adopted daughter raised her right hand and happily shouted, holding a exquisitely packaged small box in her hand.
For some reason.
Perhaps it was the instinct of their previous mother-daughter relationship, or perhaps Tsubame sacrificed her innocence for milk, Aoi-chan started calling Tsubame "Mom" again.
Tsubame was very embarrassed at first, but unfortunately, correcting her several times was useless, so she could only let Aoi-chan call her that.
"Eh, what is this?"
Tsubame didn't recognize it for a moment, so she leaned closer curiously and finally saw the words on the packaging box, her pretty face immediately turning red.
"Eh, eh, eh?"
Tsubame quickly said: "Aoi-chan, quickly throw it away!"
Natsuki happened to pass by and recognized it at a glance; this thing was clearly the god of copywriting in the advertising world, and he stopped her, saying: "Don't throw it away; this is a good thing and might come in handy."
"Come, come in handy?!"
Tsubame widened her beautiful eyes in disbelief, took half a step back in panic, her pretty face rapidly reddening at a visible speed.
What does "come in handy" mean?
The only use for this kind of thing is to do that kind of thing!
Tsubame's mind was already echoing with an evil voice: "Senpai, cover your mouth, don't make a sound… You don't want your daughter to be woken up, do you?"
As he spoke, the girls gathered around, all recognizing the box in Aoi-chan's hand.
"What does Natsuki-kun want to use it for?"
"You finally show your true colors, don't you?"
"Pervert!"
"Pervert!"
"…"
Hearing that Natsuki wanted to take it back to use, the girls all showed wary gazes and kept their distance.
"You misunderstood," Natsuki spread his hands and said innocently, "This thing has a wide range of uses; it can be used to tie things, it's waterproof and dustproof, etc. In short, it has many uses, and it might come in handy at some point. Don't look at it with prejudiced eyes."
"Natsuki-kun is right," Haruno stood up and expressed support, "I watched a survival show before, and many survival experts said that it indeed has many uses."
"See, Haruno-nee is even testifying for me," Natsuki said solemnly, "This is an uninhabited island survival now; no resources can be wasted."
"…Tsk."
The girls discussed it briefly and finally decided to let Natsuki keep it.
As for whether Natsuki would go wild, turn into a demon, and take advantage of everyone… If he really became a demon, even without this thing, no one would be spared.
As he spoke, Chika put on her clothes and trotted over.
After everyone gathered, they officially embarked on their return journey.
"Kaguya."
On the way back, Natsuki came to Kaguya's side and whispered, "A mushroom has finally grown again. Who is it more suitable for?"
The number of sin mushrooms stored was limited and would only slowly recover over time. The last mushroom was given to Kaguya in the shipwreck, and now another one has finally grown, so they can continue to grow mushrooms.
Kaguya gently pursed her lips and pondered: "The number of mushrooms is limited. The next planting target should be chosen for the person most helpful to the team… How about Yukino?"
Natsuki nodded: "Then we choose Yukino."
Yukino was able to join the advance team because she had a powerful exploration skill, and on the crisis-ridden hunger island, the significance of exploration ability goes without saying.
In comparison.
Chika's priority was even lower.
Neither the Seize and Eliminate Evil combo skill nor the Pickpocket combo skill had an immediate need, so they could patiently wait for the next mushroom.
As he spoke, everyone had already reached the edge of the cliff.
The way down was exactly the same as before.
The girls who didn't need help were self-reliant, grabbing the ropes and rappelling down from the edge of the cliff.
The timid girls who didn't dare to go down by themselves were still left to Natsuki.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Natsuki was naturally extra honest, carrying the girls and jumping off the cliff, then returning again to act as a porter.
Before long, only Juju and Shoko were left on top of the cliff.
"Juju, I'll carry you down first…"
Natsuki looked at Juju and extended his right hand.
Who knew that Juju would take half a step back and shake her head, saying: "You take Shoko down first."
"Hmm?" Natsuki was startled and couldn't help but ask, "Why?"
"How dare you ask why? You know perfectly well!"
Juju bit her silver teeth lightly, her eyes full of disdain.
She and Shoko were from the same school, and after being stranded on the deserted island, they would naturally instinctively choose to stick together.
So Juju had already noticed that every time Shoko was left last, her face would be flushed, and her eyes would be wronged… A mere carrying wouldn't make her show that expression!
This guy had already unashamedly shown his shamelessness before, and Shoko was submissive and completely didn't know how to resist. When she was left alone at the end, she must have been taken advantage of.
As a friend, Juju couldn't turn a blind eye, and at this moment, she mustered her courage and chose to step forward.
Natsuki looked at Juju, and a faint smile suddenly appeared on his face, saying meaningfully: "Alright then, I'll send Shoko down first."
Seeing the smile on Natsuki's face, Juju suddenly felt a little flustered.
The smile… so dangerous!
This guy wouldn't even let an elementary school student go, would he?
Komi, though a silent gourd, was not stupid and naturally knew why Juju wanted her to leave first, so she quickly shook her head and refused.
"Don't disappoint Juju's good intentions," Natsuki said, "After all, not everyone will sacrifice themselves for a friend."
"Sa-sacrifice?"
Juju widened her eyes and took half a step back in panic.
What does sacrifice mean?
What does this guy want to do to her?
"Shoko and I will go down first. Juju, don't worry."
Natsuki picked up Shoko and walked to the edge of the cliff, then leaped down.
Watching Natsuki's figure disappear, Juju couldn't help but look at the rope next to her.
What if she slid down the rope herself, like the others?
That way, there wouldn't be any danger, right?
Juju cautiously walked to the edge of the cliff, but as soon as she looked down, she felt dizzy and couldn't muster the courage to climb down the cliff by herself.
While she was still hesitating, Natsuki had already grabbed the rope and climbed back up.
"I'm back."
Natsuki clapped his hands, looked at Juju, and smiled, "Juju-sama, now it's just the two of us."
Juju covered her skirt, nervously took two steps back, and said warily:
"What do you want to do?"
Natsuki smiled and said: "Given that Juju stepped forward for others, I won't take advantage of you this time…"
Hearing this, Juju couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
However, the next second.
She heard Natsuki continue: "So, just kiss me once, and I'll take you down."
"Huh?"
Juju widened her eyes at the words and couldn't help but clench her fists and shout:
"You said you wouldn't take advantage of anyone?!"
Natsuki said righteously: "How can a kiss be considered taking advantage of? I didn't make you cry."
Damn it!
Does this guy only consider it taking advantage of if he makes a girl cry?!
Juju clenched her small fists and bit her silver teeth, saying: "Do you believe I'll call for help?"
She wouldn't be submissive like Shoko, doing whatever he said. In short, he shouldn't even think about taking advantage of her!
Natsuki was completely unfazed and slowly extended two fingers.
"Eh… What do you mean?"
Juju asked in confusion.
Natsuki said, "It's simple. If Juju refuses, I'll take advantage of Shoko twice as much next time."
Hearing this, Juju's small face showed an expression of disbelief, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "You're shameless!"
Natsuki didn't care, smiling, "Thank you for the compliment. I've always been shameless."
"..."
"Of course, I won't force Juju." Natsuki spread his arms, smiling, "If Juju doesn't want to kiss, that's fine. I'll send you down immediately, but then I'll have to take advantage of Shoko twice as much."
"Shoko is so timid, she'll definitely cry, right?"
Juju: "..."
Unbelievable!
How could such a shameless person exist in this world!
How could he have the nerve to say such shameless things!
Natsuki half-crouched, pointed to his cheek, and then said, "To kiss or not to kiss, Juju, you choose. If you don't make a choice in ten seconds, then I'll go take advantage of Shoko twice as much. When Shoko cries from being taken advantage of, it'll be partly Juju's fault."
"H-how hateful!"
Juju clenched her small fists, wanting to hit him, but at this point, she wasn't familiar enough with him and didn't dare to make a move.
What to do?
Should she refuse him?
If she refused him, this guy would probably keep his word and not take advantage of her, but he would turn around and take advantage of Shoko.
If Shoko was taken advantage of even more severely, it would indeed be her fault…
"Ten, nine, eight, seven…"
Natsuki was counting down unhurriedly.
Seeing the countdown about to end, Juju bit her lip hard, made her choice, quickly came before Natsuki, stood on tiptoe, and kissed Natsuki on the cheek.
"I've kissed him!"
After kissing, Juju quickly pulled away, raising her hand to wipe her lips in disgust, biting her lip, her small face flushed, "You must keep your word! You're not allowed to take advantage of Shoko again!"
Natsuki touched his cheek and smiled contentedly, "Of course, I'll keep my word, but only for this time. I'm telling you now, next time if you still want to take Shoko's place, it won't be as simple as kissing a cheek."
Juju: "..."
"Let's go, we're going down."
Natsuki picked up Juju and jumped off the cliff.
Training Juju was also endlessly fun.
Bang.
Natsuki held Juju and landed steadily.
"Natsuki-kun, why did it take you so long to come down?" Chika asked curiously.
"I cleaned up the traces left behind up there," Natsuki said nonchalantly, "to prevent monsters from tracking us."
Chika's eyes sparkled as she said, "Natsuki-kun, you're so thoughtful!"
(This guy didn't clean up any traces at all; he was just taking advantage of the situation up there. You've all been deceived by him. Don't believe his nonsense!)
Juju shouted in her heart.
Only Komi knew the truth, but unfortunately, she didn't have the courage to say it. She could only move closer to Juju, gather her strength, and whisper, "I-I'm sorry…"
"Shoko doesn't need to apologize." Juju shook her head and whispered, "It's all that guy's fault; it has nothing to do with you."
Juju had calmed down.
Why should she feel guilty when that guy was the one taking advantage of her?
The victim is innocent!
The take advantage of should be kicked a hundred times!
Rendezvous complete.
Everyone headed to the shelter they had personally dug out.
"We're back, we're back."
"I'm so hungry."
"It's almost completely dark. Natsuki-kun, please start a fire first."
"..."
The girls quickly got busy. Before long, a bright fire was lit in the cave, dispelling the darkness.
Although the environment was extremely simple, living in a cave they had personally dug out brought a great sense of accomplishment.
While the girls were grilling food, Natsuki looked at Yukino and said softly, "Yukino, come out with me for a moment."
"Hmm?"
Yukino paused slightly, hesitated for two seconds, then walked out of the cave.
"Say whatever you want to say here."
After walking a few meters out of the cave, Yukino stopped, unwilling to go any further, her eyes alert, and she said coldly.
"Yukino is going too far," Natsuki said with a wronged tone, "I helped you with my mouth before; that was a life-saving grace. Besides a thank you, you haven't given me any substantial reward, and now you still don't trust me."
Yukino crossed her arms, her delicate brows raised slightly, "What reward do you want?"
"It's simple," Natsuki said subtly, "Just give yourself to me."
Yukino couldn't help but retort, "If doing good deeds is just to seek repayment for a favor, then it's nothing more than a transaction."
Natsuki said seriously, "That was a transaction that risked my life. Isn't it reasonable for Yukino to give herself to me?"
"..."
Yukino sighed helplessly.
She had never seen such a shameless person. Words that would make ordinary people terribly ashamed meant absolutely nothing to him.
It seemed impossible to make him retreat with words.
"If there's nothing else, I'm going back."
Yukino tightened her pretty face and turned to go back into the cave.
"Don't go." Natsuki finally got to the point, "The mushroom has cooled down. The second mushroom is for you…"
When it came to serious matters, Natsuki was never vague, nor did he like to be mysterious or play coy.
He had already explained the method for the girls to awaken when they were on the shipwreck—
A strange mushroom suddenly growing on Kaguya's head would naturally attract attention.
"I didn't explain it in detail before, so I'll explain it again now. The mushrooms represent the seven deadly sins…" Natsuki carefully introduced things he hadn't mentioned before. "What kind of mushroom each person grows is related to their personality. When a deadly sin erupts, you won't be able to control your reason and body. So now I'm asking Yukino for her opinion: are you willing to grow a Sin Mushroom now?"
Yukino pursed her lips upon hearing this, and without much hesitation, she said softly, "I understand. Let's do it now."
Waking up to find herself stranded on a deserted Island, with various strange monsters and a strange man holding her wedding photo, claiming they were already married, yet with no memory of it… Yukino was very uneasy.
Rather, anyone would feel deeply uneasy if they were in her shoes.
Now that she had the opportunity to "awaken," Yukino certainly wouldn't let it pass.
"There's one last thing," Natsuki said, "You have to promise not to hit me afterward."
"What do you mean?" Yukino paused slightly, "Why would I hit you?"
Before Natsuki could speak, Yukino had already narrowed her eyes, "You did something that would make me angry? Was it when I was poisoned earlier?"
Natsuki: "..."
Girls were too smart; they were indeed hard to deceive.
"I have no idea what Yukino is talking about." Natsuki, like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water, refused to admit anything, "In short, if Yukino wants the mushroom, she must promise not to hit me afterward."
"Hmph." Yukino let out a soft hmph, crossing her arms, "…I promise."
Natsuki then added, "And no cold shoulder either. Cold shoulder is even scarier."
Yukino: "..."
Agreement reached.
Natsuki extended his right hand and said, "Let me touch your head, and the mushroom can be successfully planted."
Yukino pursed her lips and lowered her head slightly.
Silently feeling the warmth of Natsuki's palm, Yukino suddenly felt a subtle urge—
It would probably feel very comfortable to rub against his palm, wouldn't it?
Upon realizing her own thoughts, Yukino immediately bit her lip.
Strange.
Why did she have such a strange urge?
"That's it." Natsuki withdrew his right hand, then said, "The mushroom needs some time to mature. I'll tell you when it's ready."
"Also, when the deadly sin erupts, you won't be able to control yourself. At that time, it's best if we leave the cave, otherwise, you might be socially dead." Natsuki spread his hands, "Of course, if you're worried, you can choose to stay in the cave."
Yukino raised her right hand and lightly touched the top of her head. There was still warmth lingering in her hair. She instinctively chose to trust him and said softly, "I understand… Call me out then."
Natsuki agreed, then said, "There's not enough food, I'll go catch a few more spiders."
Hearing this, Yukino couldn't help but feel a little worried, and subconsciously said softly, "I'll go with you…"
"Don't worry." Natsuki raised his right hand and touched Yukino's head again, saying gently, "I'll be quick and back soon, there won't be any danger."
Yukino took half a step back, dodging Natsuki's right hand, and said with a tense pretty face, "Natsuki-kun, please be respectful."
Natsuki didn't care, smiled slightly, and waved goodbye, "I'm leaving."
Watching Natsuki's figure disappear into the darkness, Yukino let out a slight sigh of relief, raising her right hand and gently covering her chest.
For some reason.
Her heart was pounding uncontrollably, and her earlobes were similarly hot and flushed…