The reason why?
All the trouble Nakano Maruo spoke of was predicated on one thing: that Paradise truly invited the Nakano Quintuplets to become Players.
As for whether Paradise would extend an invitation, he had already stated that his power predicted the Nakano Quintuplets would definitely be invited by Paradise, which is why he went to such great lengths to create those three Prophecies to prevent the Nakano Quintuplets from becoming Players.
Given this, even if Kisaragi Rin used the Workshop to separate the essence of the Nakano Quintuplets, Paradise would still extend five different invitations.
Moreover, if he did that, Kisaragi Rin's trouble would immediately increase fivefold.
Currently, he only needed to consider how the Nakano Quintuplets would pass one Trial Mission; if they were separated, he would have to consider how these five fools would pass five different Trial Missions individually.
Furthermore, splitting them into five people meant he would later have to find a way to produce five white letters.
Thinking about it this way, Kisaragi Rin figured it would be simpler to help the Nakano Quintuplets become S-Rank.
"Then let them become S-Rank," Kisaragi Rin said in a low voice, believing Nakano Maruo had already discovered his uniqueness, or else he wouldn't stay here calmly explaining the series of troubles involving the Nakano Quintuplets.
Since he was a Player, Nakano Maruo couldn't read minds and thus couldn't confirm Kisaragi Rin's character. In this situation, Nakano Maruo couldn't help but worry that Kisaragi Rin might be the same kind of person as Reina's ex-husband.
Besides, Nakano Nino had only transferred a few days ago.
And she already likes you, Kisaragi Rin?
From the perspective of an old father, it was already quite good that Nakano Maruo hadn't directly dealt with Kisaragi Rin, this unstable factor. To treat him like family and directly reveal the truth like this was truly strange.
Kisaragi Rin's judgment was that the fact he was unaffected by Nakano Maruo's power must have revealed something to him, making him believe Kisaragi Rin had the Ability to resolve the series of troubles involving the Nakano Quintuplets.
"Since Paradise will definitely invite them, having them return to a single body to avoid doubling the difficulty of the Trial Mission is something that must be done.
Other matters can be temporarily set aside. We now have only one problem.
How to ensure these fools successfully survive this Trial Mission."
In response to Kisaragi Rin's words, Nakano Maruo tossed a ring toward him.
Item - Advanced Storage Ring
Description: Xiao Huohuo, I can still absorb for three more years.
Effect: Stores Items. Of course, you can also put a Soul entity inside.
Usage Requirement: None
"Attach your Soul to it and follow them into the Trial World.
S-Rank possesses Paradise's favor.
As long as you don't directly interfere, Paradise generally won't bother with such small matters."
Nakano Maruo stated his plan.
Kisaragi Rin also looked at his Paradise bracelet.
Special - Paradise's favor
Description: Compared to other Players, Paradise favors you more.
Effect: In all aspects of Paradise, you will find yourself receiving more preferential treatment... "Paradise's favor..."
Kisaragi Rin looked at the Storage Ring in his hand and scoffed, asking back, "Sneak in as a Soul entity?"
Nakano Maruo certainly knew he was S-Rank.
Kisaragi Rin had explicitly revealed this fact to him. Otherwise, Nakano Maruo would know that only those who pass the Trial Mission can be called Players, so why would Kisaragi Rin ask him if the white letter could solve the problem?
The reason for doing so, was naturally to tell the guy in front of him that he, Kisaragi Rin, also had backing, and that he'd better not rely on his own strength to do annoying things that would provoke him.
Such as warning or testing him.
After all, if Kisaragi Rin found his future daughter dating a Player whose background was unclear, he really might be tempted to kill and dissect them.
Because of this, both men maintained a degree of restraint toward each other up until now.
Kisaragi Rin pondered Nakano Maruo's words.
Ostensibly, he meant that since Kisaragi Rin was S-Rank and possessed Paradise's favor, he could entrust his Soul to the Storage Ring and enter the Trial alongside the Nakano Quintuplets. Even if he couldn't openly intervene, he could provide crucial guidance to help them safely pass this Trial.
But there was a huge problem here!
That was the Nakano Quintuplets' execution Ability!
If those participating in the Trial were battle-hardened soldiers who obeyed orders strictly, then Kisaragi Rin acting as a "Selection System" guiding the Players would naturally be fine.
But these were the Nakano Quintuplets; not long ago, they were young ladies from a daily life anime. Even if they could now cast aside all worries and obey Kisaragi Rin's commands, where would they get the execution Ability to carry out those orders?
It was like marching in formation; if an ordinary person told themselves to lift their right leg, they might accidentally lift their left leg instead.
Kisaragi Rin didn't believe Nakano Maruo hadn't considered such an obvious problem. When Kisaragi Rin used a rhetorical tone to confirm this with him again, Nakano Maruo remained calm and showed no intention of explaining.
The two looked at each other for a moment.
"...I understand."
Kisaragi Rin narrowed his gaze and chose to accept the Storage Ring.
Nakano Maruo's true intention could be understood from another angle: he didn't know that Kisaragi Rin's mind contained numerous plotlines.
And [Paradise's favor]?
Any S-Rank possesses this benefit, and Nakano Maruo is very powerful; he doesn't seem like someone who couldn't find another S-Rank to help.
Now, without considering other options, facing Kisaragi Rin—who had run off with Nakano Nino and whose background was unclear—he didn't even ask, "Do you have confidence?" He just placed his daughter's safety on such an anomaly?
So how could Nakano Maruo be certain that Kisaragi Rin could help the Nakano Quintuplets pass the Trial merely by giving commands?
Unless that wasn't his intention at all!
The surface interpretation: Kisaragi Rin, you possess [Paradise's favor], sneak into the Trial as a Soul, and Paradise won't manage such small matters.
The true intention: It's true that other S-Rank can only sneak into the Trial as Souls, but you, Kisaragi Rin, are not a conventional S-Rank. Unlike them, you can do far more without any reservations!
The Paradise bracelet was worn on his hand; for matters like this, mutual understanding was enough.
Although Kisaragi Rin didn't know the reason for Nakano Maruo's judgment, it was likely correct. This made Kisaragi Rin stop worrying about the Nakano Quintuplets; instead, it might even be a good thing.
"It's good that you understand."
Nakano Maruo's face darkened, and he finally couldn't resist the urge to test him again.
"Kisaragi-san, tell me why I..."
After all, those were his daughters, all five of them.
Unfortunately, before he could finish, Kisaragi Rin directly interrupted Nakano Maruo.
Kisaragi Rin said, "Why is not important, because you have already decided on me, haven't you?
"Unnecessary probing can end now.
"Mr. Nakano, what you should be considering now is what kind of remuneration to give me, not guessing whether my Ability can achieve this.
"As Players, only mutual benefit can make the trust between us a little more abundant."
At this point, Kisaragi Rin countered, "You wouldn't be trying to owe me a favor, would you?"
Given Nakano Maruo's strength, his favor was worth far more than ordinary remuneration.
Unfortunately, judging by Nakano Nino's attitude, it was impossible for Nakano Maruo to owe this favor and let his authority be damaged in front of Kisaragi Rin.
"As you said, mutual benefit can indeed make the trust between us more abundant," Nakano Maruo said. "If my power cannot affect you, then this remuneration is sufficient."
A stone flew toward Kisaragi Rin, and Kisaragi Rin noticed that it was a Talent Stone.