Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

The cold wind howled through the mountains and forests.

It startled Haruno, Itsuki, and the others from their daze. Ginko and Miku's questions had left them speechless — the fantastical story was beyond comprehension.

Finally, Nino described the attack she had experienced, including Daiki's extraordinary power that rivaled a Special Grade Jujutsu Sorcerer.

Ginko raised an eyebrow, her expression clearly saying, "Are these people crazy?" The situation seemed utterly surreal!

What caught Haruno and the others off guard was Miku's reaction.

Though initially startled, she quickly composed herself. This was because she had witnessed Daiki's Ghost Hand technique before, though she had dismissed it as an elaborate magic trick.

"Why don't we all rest for now? Mr. Daiki, might I have a word with you?" Haruno's deferential tone made Keika's expression turn complicated.

She couldn't believe her idol would show such humility in the face of these mysterious events.

As the truth of Nino's words sank in, Ginko's joints tensed.

Since birth, she had dedicated herself to shōgi. Her undefeated streak of 53 games in official women's matches had earned her the title "The strongest woman in 1,400 years of shōgi history".

Beyond shōgi, she pursued little else. While undefeated in women's shōgi, she harbored one regret — her body, weakened by heart disease.

Could the Jujutsu world offer a cure? Ginko lowered her gaze, uncertain.

Yet this physical limitation wasn't her primary concern. The world of shōgi still captivated her most, particularly the worn book of game records Miku had given to Daiki.

"Let's talk tomorrow. Enough has happened today." Daiki said flatly, his interest waning.

"Then we'll take our leave. We must inform the family." Haruno accepted gracefully — the delay in negotiations actually worked in her favor.

Keika and Ginko departed with their thoughts in disarray.

Only the Nakano quintuplets and Daiki remained before the old building.

"Daiki-kun, is there really a Jujutsu world out there?"

"And Jujutsu Sorcerers too! Nino said Daiki-kun is a Special Grade Sorcerer!"

"..."

Ichika and Yotsuba flocked to him, peppering him with questions about the mysterious Jujutsu world.

Their enthusiasm had inadvertently pushed Miku aside.

"Hey, that's not right! Ichika, you're pushing Miku away!" Itsuki stepped forward, exasperated, ready to separate them.

As Miku approached, Itsuki realized something she had overlooked — Miku had spent all her time searching for the game record book with Ginko, leaving no chance to interact with Daiki.

But suddenly, when she tried to move her hands, Itsuki noticed they were trembling — likely an aftereffect of witnessing the earlier violence.

Having lived peacefully for so long, ordinary people had lost their tolerance for bloodshed.

That she hadn't become ill at the sight was only due to his precise work. What Itsuki had witnessed was merely a mist of blood, not dismembered bodies. Yet even now, waves of fear washed over her.

"Don't worry too much. Just think of it as stepping on an ant."

Such casual disregard for life left Itsuki speechless. Perhaps Daiki spoke truth — Jujutsu Sorcerers and ordinary people truly were different species.

With a resigned smile, she pushed the thought aside.

Noting Itsuki's distraction, Ichika stopped her questioning and moved to support her sister on the treacherous mountain path.

"Daiki-kun, you guys go ahead." Miku suddenly announced.

Her legs, clad in black stockings, fidgeted against each other.

"Daiki-kun, go on ahead. I'll stay with Miku." Nino interjected, understanding her sister's need for a bathroom break.

After all, in her mind, Daiki was her future husband. She couldn't let him see Miku in such a vulnerable state — especially not in this ambiguous atmosphere!

What if the two of them hit it off? Wouldn't that throw everything into chaos?

Miku nodded gratefully at her sister.

Though their relationship had been strained in the past, Nino had matured into a thoughtful older sister who truly cared for her siblings!

With Miku's agreement, he said nothing more. His Cursed Energy radiated throughout the mountain range as he checked for threats, then departed with Yotsuba.

"We'll wait here for you two." Ichika said, rubbing her sore wrists as she helped Itsuki settle onto a rock.

Nino and Miku ventured into the dense forest, seeking privacy.

Soon, the sound of trickling water broke the night's silence.

Moments later, Miku emerged, looking sheepish.

"Sorry for the trouble, Ni— Achoo!" The damp mountain breeze cut through her thin clothes, making her sneeze.

"Don't catch a cold! Why didn't you wear something warmer?" Nino draped her coat over her sister's shoulders. Despite her sharp tone, her worry was clear.

"I got it. Thank you, Nino." Though not the most articulate person, Miku managed to express her gratitude.

"What are you saying? We're quintuplets, aren't we?" Nino's words touched her deeply.

"Yes, forever and always!" Miku nodded with enthusiasm.

"I was too stubborn before, which led to our clashes." Nino said, "Looking back now, I should be the one apologizing."

"It's not just Nino's fault — I made mistakes too." Hearing her sister's sincere confession, Miku acknowledged her own part.

"Will you forgive me?" Nino asked softly.

"Of course! Let's put the past behind us." Miku replied without hesitation.

"I mean for the future too. If I make an unforgivable mistake again, would you still forgive me like you are now?"

"We're quintuplets. Between us, there's no such thing as an unforgivable mistake!"

Nino felt the weight of guilt lifting from her heart.

"Mm!" She nodded firmly in agreement.

The sisters' reconciliation filled Miku with warmth. She pulled the collar of the coat closer, wanting to catch her sister's familiar scent.

"Hm? Why does it smell exactly like Daiki-kun?"

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