Tsuruko Takes the Stage / Not as Much as I'd Imagined

"You were absolutely right, I really don't know how to face them."

Shuya turned his back to them, not wanting them to see his expression.

"Even though I know it's not good, sometimes I can't help but think, if Rena- san could continue like this, then I wouldn't have to make this decision."

"To fill the void in my heart, to numb my lost emotions, I chose to throw myself wholeheartedly into the so-called rescue operation, which gave me a sense of self-satisfaction."

"The moment I became the Alliance Leader the Monster alliance, I actually felt a sense of loss, because I realized I could probably no longer escape it."

"When I realized that the power of the Monster alone couldn't save her, I felt like a drowning person grabbing a rope."

Shuya was lost in thought, muttering to himself, "I was thinking: Ah, now I can continue to shift my focus and escape."

"Whether it's starting a video website, fighting against the Monster of Kansai, or even now fighting against the gods... I know that the reason I'm so fully committed isn't just for Rena. It's mostly for myself."

A complex look appeared in Shuya's eyes. "You're not asking me what I'll do if even combining the power of gods and Monster can't solve this, are you?"

"I want to attack the Western supernatural realm. First, I'll invade the America Spirit Realm, then the Europe Spirit Realm, and finally unite the supernatural beings to enter the Great Hua Spirit Realm and find out how to lift the Curse, because they are the most professional."

"---As long as I think about all the things I can do in the future, I can stop struggling with my feelings for Rena and find a moment of peace for my soul."

Shuya finally turned around, looking at Haruno and Tsuruko who were listening intently, and said, "So, are you satisfied with my confession?"

Haruno said leisurely, "Satisfied, satisfied."

She wasn't afraid at all.

Tsuruko said, "Excuse my bluntness, but I find Inoue -kun's plan difficult to implement."

"Our current success is certainly due in part to our strength, but a major factor is the surprise of our attacks. However, this advantage will likely disappear with the next attack."

"Assuming we successfully defeat the gods, the supernatural beings in the surrounding areas will definitely be on high alert once they learn of our actions. Even the Earth Federation might send people to monitor us. Going to the America Spirit Realm under such scrutiny, I think, would be very difficult."

Tsuruko took a sip of tea. "The most important point is that we have no reason to attack them. If we force our way out, we'll most likely be stopped by the Federation."

"Even if the Earth Federation doesn't intervene, the superhumans in other regions will quickly become aware of our actions and be on guard. That would lead to a protracted battle, unlike the quick victory in Japan, which would be extremely disastrous."

"Therefore, I believe Inoue -kun's plan is not feasible. In fact, it would certainly be met with fierce opposition as soon as it is proposed."

Shuya shrugged. "I understand what you're saying. So for now, I'm just thinking about it. I feel better whenever I indulge in fantasy... That being said, I think places like the interstellar empires next door are actually quite easy to deal with."

"That's true."

Haruno nodded in agreement.

If Shuya integrates the forces of gods and demons, he can sweep across the surrounding area except for Great Hua.

Tsuruko agreed with Haruno, "If it's one of those places, we might as well give it a try."

"Hmm? Aren't you going to say much about my avoidance behavior?"

Shuya found it strange and asked:

"Judging from your tone, it seems you don't object to me messing around like that?"

Haruno chuckled a few times, "No, wouldn't it be fun to travel to the outer Spirit Realm? Besides, I think Shu-chan... quite adorable right now, isn't she?"

"You have such a wonderful personality."

Shuya praised it.

"You flatter me."

After they finished speaking, Tsuruko suddenly stood up and walked towards Shuya.

She said, "I did consider saying what Yukino said earlier, but ultimately I decided it wasn't necessary."

"Inoue -kun's thoughts are ultimately your own. Time is limited, and you will eventually make a choice. Whether we speak up or not, it won't affect someone as opinionated as Inoue -kun."

I'm not as opinionated as you think.

Shuya shook his head.

Tsuruko stood in front of Shuya. She was tall for a girl, but she was still a head shorter than Shuya.

She looked at Shuya and gave him a serene smile, "What happened today might not be such a bad thing after all. Perhaps Inoue- kun needs right now is the same kind of pressure that Yukino has."

"I don't know how Inoue- kun's feelings for Rena will develop. There's only so much I can do, but..."

She flashed a sweet smile that made Shuya's heart race.

"Inoue can vent all your troubles Inoue self-blame to me, okay?"

"What do you mean by that?"

Shuya felt that Tsuruko's words were very meaningful.

He suspected she was having sexual relations.

"Hmm?"

Haruno became alert.

That's what I mean.

Smiling, Tsuruko tiptoed, hooked her arm around Shuya's neck, and pressed her lips to his without hesitation.

Shuya's lips were parted, and a nimble pink tongue slid in.

"Um..."

A beautiful breath escaped from the Tsuruko's lips.

Shuya instinctively wrapped his arms around her slender waist and licked her tongue.

"???"

Haruno's eyes widened and she gasped, completely taken aback by Tsuruko's actions.

She watched the two people passionately kissing, her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but she stopped herself.

... I'm still here. Can't you be a little more reserved?

Haruno lay there like a salted fish, her eyes fixed on the lips of the two adulterers.

"Heh, my technique is still a bit better."

She suddenly developed a strange competitive spirit.

After a long while, Shuya and Tsuruko finally parted ways.

Shuya looked at Tsuruko, a little embarrassed, and said, "What are you doing? So sudden."

"Simply caught up in the atmosphere?"

Tsuruko licked her red lips. "Anyway, that's how it is."

She turned back and winked at Haruno: "It's a bit sudden, but from today onwards, please let me join the battle."

Haruno narrowed his eyes. "... Well, I've always known that Miss Tsuruko likes Shu-chan. I just didn't expect you to make a move right in front of me."

Tsuruko chuckled and said, "I was so busy comforting Inoue- kun that I neglected your feelings. I'm so sorry."

Haruno laughed too, "It's nothing. He and I aren't really related."

"That's really sarcastic," Shuya thought to himself.

"That's a really sarcastic remark. Are you jealous?"

The next moment, he stubbornly blurted it out and even added more details.

"Shu-chan?"

Haruno looked over dangerously.

Shuya scratched his head. "What, want to fight?"

He was eager to try it out, wanting to experience the thrill of suppressing the carnage with force.

---Could any other useless protagonist do something like this?!

Ps1: My wife is currently guilty (not)

P. S. 2: The protagonist is actually the type who thinks a lot in secret, but is very casual with strangers.

Section 299, Chapter 283: Not as much as I imagined.

Upon hearing this, Haruno jumped down, ran over, grabbed Shuya's hand, and pulled him into the house.

"Alright, let's fight! Who's afraid of who?"

She looked at Tsuruko provocatively and said with a smile, "And let Miss Tsuruko know some special fighting techniques as well."

"Um?"

Shuya deliberately attacked by her with soft, flimsy armor; there's no doubt she was up to something lewd.

Tsuruko, provoked by her words, covered her mouth and chuckled, "Then please let me see your skills, senior."

She hooked her arm around Shuya's other arm.

"Are you serious?"

Despite saying this, Shuya, who had been pulled into the room, was actually preparing to undo the sash of his yukata.

Before Haruno could speak, Tsuruko leaned closer and said, "Didn't I tell you to vent to me? It seems Haruno feels the same way."

"That's not what I meant. I just couldn't stand seeing my dog, whom I'd raised for so long, run off with someone else."

Haruno hummed twice.

Shuya gave her a disdainful look. "Don't you know that arrogance can ruin a life?"

If it weren't for my shamelessness, you would have been dumped... Hmm, thinking about it that way, Shuya felt that he was really great.

Soon, Shuya any hesitation...

---Indescribable---

After midnight, the three of them indulged themselves.

As expected of someone who practices martial arts, Tsuruko quickly caught up with Shuya and Haruno's speed and learned all sorts of driving skills. It's believed that as long as she continues to practice with Shuya, she will eventually become a skilled female driver.

At three in the morning, Shuya took advantage of the fact that they were asleep, got out of bed, and slipped away to the hot spring.

He was full of energy (meaningful) and not too tired, but Haruno and Tsuruko were sleeping soundly.

Shuya immersed himself in the hot spring, enjoying this tranquil moment, and his thoughts gradually drifted away from the confusion he had just experienced.

"Ah... the ancients were right, the hardest thing to bear is the favor of a beautiful woman."

Shuya knew that Tsuruko and Haruno were less creating a chaotic situation and more comforting him in a woman's way.

For men, alcohol and women are indeed a safe haven.

Although the three of them had a lot of fun, they still didn't break through to the final step. Tomorrow is a big battle, and it wouldn't be good if it affected their performance.

Besides, as I said before, as long as Rena's matter remains unresolved, there will always be a thorn in his side.

Pressed by Yukino and after his earlier confession, Shuya revealed what was hidden in his heart. Reflecting on his own feelings once again, he had to admit one thing.

---I don't like Rena as much as I thought I did.

He admitted that his feelings for Rena initially stemmed from attraction.

But later, he was indeed attracted by Rena's personality, appearance, and figure.

Then, after the Charm Art was broken, his emotions were twisted, and he remained in a state of confusion.

He let himself go and accepted relationships with both Haruno and Tsuruko.

Taking advantage of his "wise man" state, Shuya began to explore his feelings for Haruno and Tsuruko, and then compared these feelings with his feelings for Rena.