Tenqi Sanluo didn't believe that there could be such a kind-hearted organization in this world — one that existed purely for the purpose of "saving Spirits," as Shidou claimed, without seeking any kind of reward — even though Spirits didn't really have much to offer in return anyway.
From what she had seen so far, they didn't seem to have any intention of turning Spirits into weapons of war, which made things all the more incomprehensible.
Logically speaking, with Itsuka Shidou's ability to seal a Spirit's power,
However, after observing Itsuka Shidou carefully just now, Tenqi Sanluo found no signs of any artificial modification on him whatsoever.
That was extremely illogical.
Even without considering where Shidou's ability to seal Spirits came from, the very existence of the organization
Those so-called professionals—although their acting was rather clumsy—were at least qualified. Judging by the angles of their bows and apologies, they were clearly professionally trained. They weren't just a random bunch pulled off the streets like stuffed toys from a claw machine.
According to Kotori, there were plenty more such "professionals" within
Spending so much money and manpower, all just to "save Spirits"? Who would believe that nonsense!
Aside from the spiritual energy the Spirits possessed, Sanluo couldn't think of any other reason behind their actions.
Still, since
"..."
Shidou noticed the thoughtful look on Tenqi Sanluo's face, but he didn't say anything.
He'd already been snapped at once earlier, and he wasn't about to fall into the same trap twice.
"Shidou, next time don't let these people come again—oh, right, you can't contact
Kotori spoke halfway before realizing the earpiece receiver had already been crushed by Sanluo. She could only drop the matter with a sigh.
"Uh… where are Tohka and Yoshino?"
Feeling awkward, Shidou quickly tried to change the subject.
"There they are."
Kotori pointed toward the pool. Tohka and Yoshino had already put on the inflatable rings they had borrowed and were now floating lightly on the water's surface.
"Shidou! Look! It doesn't sink!"
Tohka shouted like a child discovering something new, and the two soon became absorbed in play—
—though Tenqi Sanluo couldn't see what was so entertaining about it.
Shidou, however, noticed something else: although this was supposed to be his date with Kotori, she had been cold and detached the entire time, acting more like an observer—someone evaluating how the "date mission" was progressing—rather than a participant enjoying it.
Up until now, the main heroine of the date, Kotori, hadn't shown even the slightest sign of wanting to get in the water.
That wouldn't do.
He was supposed to make Kotori fall for him.
Sanluo could wait, but he had to make Kotori start enjoying the date.
"Kotori…"
"What is it, Shidou?"
Kotori turned her head, her sharp commander-like gaze instantly making the words Shidou had prepared get stuck in his throat.
Without
"I… we…"
"When you're on a date with a girl and can't even make a suggestion properly, you'd be punished if this were during training."
Kotori frowned slightly and, as if by magic, pulled out another Double Sugar lollipop, sticking it in her mouth.
"Uh, sorry, I…"
"This Itsuka Shidou guy… wasn't this supposed to be a date with his sister? And yet they've barely interacted this whole time."
Sanluo looked up toward the ceiling.
Now she somewhat regretted crushing the earpiece. Without the support from those people behind the scenes, Shidou couldn't even string together a few proper words.
At this rate, wasn't she just wasting her time being here?
If the date didn't progress properly, not only would it ruin the mood, but it could also interfere with her own objectives—and she wouldn't even get any amusement out of it.
How absurd.
Fine, she'd lend him a hand. Make him owe her a favor. Then things would be easier later.
"Itsuka Shidou."
Deciding to help him out temporarily, Sanluo suddenly spoke.
"Why don't you two go play over there? It looks fun."
"Eh?"
The direction Sanluo pointed to was the water park's slide.
She didn't know how it worked, but she had seen some people go there earlier, so it must be fun.
Anyway, Shidou would know better than she did; she just needed to give him an excuse.
"Ah, um…"
Shidou felt increasingly confused about what Sanluo was trying to do.
He knew that was the water slide, but he couldn't figure out why Sanluo was actively helping their date along.
"Don't give me that look; you two are on a date, but there's almost no interaction between you. What kind of date is that?"
Sanluo pouted. If even this small push didn't give Shidou the courage to act, then she'd just castrate him herself before Kotori even needed to punish him—he clearly wouldn't be needing it in the future anyway.
"Hah? Shidou, you even need an outsider's help just to make a suggestion during a date? When we get back, you'll definitely have to take a punishment game."
Kotori glanced at Sanluo in surprise, then continued teasing Shidou mercilessly.
Now Sanluo finally understood—this wasn't just Shidou's fault. Kotori, the supposed female lead of the date, had problems of her own.
For example, up to this point, she hadn't really engaged with the date at all.
Even the two Spirits who were merely bystanders were having fun, yet the main pair were acting like they were repelling each other.
"Itsuka Kotori, stop blaming your brother; you're not doing any better yourself."
Sanluo said bluntly.
After all, Kotori couldn't beat her in a fight and had no leverage over her. Those so-called "punishment games" meant nothing to Sanluo, so she could say whatever she wanted.
"Hm?"
Kotori turned around, her eyes sharp and dangerous, but her face still forced a strained smile.
If it were any other
If it were Tohka or Yoshino—Spirits who had already been "captured"—she wouldn't resort to violence, but her attitude wouldn't be pleasant either.
Unfortunately for her, this was an unsealed Spirit—and not just any Spirit, but the most brutal one: Tenqi Sanluo.
Even if Sanluo smashed this entire place to rubble right now, Kotori wouldn't be able to say a word in protest.
"Miss Tenqi, may I ask what your point is?"
"Itsuka Kotori, I just have one question: have you really put yourself into this date?"
Sanluo's words hit right on the mark, and Kotori instantly fell silent.
"..."
"Uh, Miss Tenqi…"
"Shut up. This has nothing to do with you."
Shidou, seeing the situation, tried to speak up for his sister, but Sanluo immediately snapped at him.
"When Shidou invited me to join this date, he said it was supposed to be a date between you and your brother. Then why have you been acting like me this whole time—like an outsider? Or is it that you just don't like your brother?"
Kotori didn't react much to the earlier part, but when Sanluo said that last line, her head shot up immediately.
"No! That's not it, it's just… uh…"
"Spit it out already. Don't mumble and stammer like an idiot."
Facing Kotori's flushed cheeks, Sanluo showed no mercy and kept pressing.
"If you want to go on this date, then cooperate with your brother and make it entertaining for me. If you don't, then just say so clearly and stop wasting everyone's time."
"S-shut up already! Miss Tenqi, that's enough—"
"Why should I stop? Are you my equal? Or are you saying you want to fight me head-on here in Tenguu City? Because I'll gladly oblige."
Using both her height and her overwhelming battle power as leverage, Sanluo took a step forward, closing in on Kotori.
Kotori's expression twisted awkwardly at Sanluo's arrogant words.
"Say it! Are you going on this date or not? Give me a straight answer!"
Kotori's face turned bright red from frustration. Under Sanluo's oppressive aura, she finally squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth:
"F-fine! I get it!"
With that, Kotori looked like she had given up, grabbed her still-bewildered brother by the hand, and barked,
"Shidou, let's go!"
"Eh? Ehh??"
Shidou clearly still hadn't processed what had just happened.
At that moment, Sanluo withdrew her aura, walked quickly up beside Shidou, and whispered:
"You owe me one, Itsuka Shidou."
Then, she immediately turned and left, leaving Kotori to drag her dazed brother toward the water slide.