Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

As the one often responsible for preparing meals for her four sisters, Nino's culinary talent and skills were exceptional. While she couldn't rival Daiki's cooking, she had surpassed the average person.

She invited him to wait in the living room while she cooked. Her skilled knife work and heat control resembled that of a master chef. Even watching her slender figure move about the kitchen was enough to soothe one's body and mind.

Soon, the dining table was laden with a sumptuous dinner.

"Daiki-kun, may I stay here again tonight?"

Noticing the darkening sky, Nino suddenly recalled how the world had changed. The hidden dangers could plunge ordinary people into dire situations.

"Do you need to inform Miku and the others?"

"No... no need. I told them I'm staying at a hotel. If we're honest about it, it might affect your relationship." Her eyes flickered.

How could she tell Miku about staying over? Wouldn't that be like announcing her predatory intentions?

"I see. We'll keep it to ourselves, then." Daiki agreed without pressing further.

The two sat in the living room, eating quietly like a familiar couple.

"Daiki-kun, I encountered a zombie in an alley a couple of days ago." Sensing the tense atmosphere at the dinner table, Nino broached a topic.

This was one of the concerns weighing heavily on her mind. Jujutsu Sorcerers, onmyoji, magicians... Cursed Spirits, Devils, and zombies straight out of apocalyptic movies... Such a chaotic world left her feeling uneasy and lost.

Worse still, she couldn't explain it to her other sisters. Trying to do so would only spread fear.

Daiki was the sole exception. His power was enough to vanquish most threats.

"Oh? When did you encounter a zombie?"

"It was the day I encountered the Cursed Spirit, in a secluded alley."

"You were quite fortunate." Daiki replied, "That zombie was likely controlled by a Zombie Devil and was probably searching for food."

His words sent a chill down Nino's spine.

"Daiki-kun, have you encountered such zombies before?" She asked curiously.

"A few. They're not particularly weak, but they're not a significant threat either. The real problem is the Zombie Devil controlling them from behind the scenes. Unless it's eliminated, destroying the zombies is pointless." He shook his head. That Zombie Devil is quite adept at hiding.

"Is the Zombie Devil very powerful? As strong as a Special Grade Jujutsu Sorcerer?"

Her question made him chuckle.

"There are only four Special Grade Jujutsu Sorcerers in the entire jujutsu world. If Zombie Devils could compete with them, we'd be in serious trouble. Most zombies are transformed from ordinary people. At best, they might be former private Devil Hunters, but the gap in power is still enormous."

Nino nodded, not fully grasping the concept but trying to understand. She then asked excitedly, "Is Daiki-kun a Special Grade Jujutsu Sorcerer?"

"No!" He answered quickly and decisively.

His immediate response surprised her.

"But those two Jujutsu Sorcerers before said you were Special Grade." Nino looked confused, doubting that they would have lied to her.

"There are differences even among Special Grades." He explained, "My strength surpasses Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerers, but I'm not confident about facing the four recognized Special Grades in the jujutsu world right now."

The Cursed Energy from one of Sukuna's fingers was rated as Special Grade, as was the energy from all twenty fingers. Currently, Daiki only had two fingers stored — still too weak.

"I see." Nino nodded, seeming to understand but not quite. She couldn't fully comprehend the vast differences in power between Special Grades.

But for her, Daiki was already someone she admired greatly.

'No matter what, I believe Daiki-kun will definitely surpass them!' She thought, silently cheering for him, her heart swelling with pride. She glanced at his half-full plate and asked, "How's the fried pork cutlet, Daiki-kun?"

Nino watched his expression anxiously, worried it might not suit his taste.

"It's delicious."

Hearing his praise, she beamed with joy.

Just as she was about to suggest he try the other dishes, she noticed a faint mark at the corner of his mouth. It wasn't from the food.

'Miku's lip gloss?' Her smile faded, replaced by a furrowed brow. Her hands clenched into fists under the table.

Though she knew Miku was his girlfriend and that she had no right to interfere, Nino found the mark particularly bothersome. It felt like a weight pressing on her chest.

"Daiki-kun, you've got something on your mouth!" She stood abruptly, carefully wiping the corner of his mouth with a napkin.

Applying a bit of pressure, she erased the offending mark. Satisfied, she smiled genuinely once more. Her gaze drifted from his mouth to meet his eyes.

Time seemed to stand still. A moment later, Nino, startled by their sudden closeness, nearly jumped back like a rabbit.

"S-sorry... I-I just saw some oil, so I couldn't help it…" She stammered, suddenly realizing how bold her action had been. She awkwardly tried to convey that she had no ulterior motives.

Her snow-white neck flushed with a faint blush, her translucent earlobes reddening alluringly. Unable to explain herself clearly, she could only bury her head silently, her heart racing.

'Daiki-kun won't think I'm forward, will he? Why... why couldn't I control myself just now?' On the verge of tears, She did her best to avoid his gaze.

This dazed state persisted until Daiki went to take a bath.

"That's... Miku's charm..."

He hung the charm he always carried outside the bathroom. Nino carefully approached, picking it up.

She knew Miku had bought this for him. The memory of the two of them shopping that day flashed unbidden in her mind. With a pang of loss, she returned to the adjacent room.

Was there really no chance between her and Daiki?

Miku had been the first to meet him, to establish a relationship, to have intimate contact, even to go shopping with him. She was ahead in so many ways — even in a fair competition, there would be no hope, right?

But what if it wasn't fair? Erasing Miku's traces wasn't enough. What if she left her own mark instead?

Once this dangerous thought took root, it could no longer be suppressed. Like weeds, it gradually occupied all of Nino's thoughts. Although Miku was ahead in all aspects, she only needed to be one step ahead.

Her breathing quickened, her hands trembling slightly. She knew her behavior was wrong, but she couldn't bring herself to give up.

"Just this once. Sorry, Miku..." Nino bit her lip, suppressing her nervousness.

Then she tiptoed to the door, leaving her room.

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Daiki was chatting with Miku when the bedroom light suddenly dimmed. After a rustling sound, he sensed a familiar faint fragrance beside him.

In the dark bedroom, it seemed no more words were needed.

Another sleepless night awaited.

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T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!

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