When Ayaka saw Lumine and Paimon volunteer to rescue Master Masakatsu, a hint of joy rose in her heart. Then she turned an expectant gaze toward Yucheng.
Since Yucheng could secretly deliver the investigation report to Tenshukaku and get away unscathed without the Raiden Shogun noticing, that meant he was a master infiltrator. With someone like him helping, their chances of rescuing Master Masakatsu would improve greatly.
However, Yucheng remained wholly absorbed in eating hot pot, showing no sign that he would volunteer to take on this troublesome task. Ayaka was rather disappointed, but that disappointment lasted only an instant. Then she remembered that this Traveler was highly capable too. Surely the rescue would go smoothly?
"Of course, we won't leave this entirely to you. Once you're ready, head to Hanamizaka. There's a fireworks shop there called Naganohara, where you'll find someone who can help you. As for who that person is, well, they're very easy to recognize. You'll know when you get there."
Though Lumine and Paimon were somewhat puzzled, they decided to visit Hanamizaka first. As they were about to leave, they noticed that Yucheng showed no sign of getting up. Paimon quickly reminded him, "Yucheng, why aren't you leaving? Aren't you going to rescue Master Masakatsu?"
"Don't we already have you two and that helper from Naganohara handling it? Isn't committing this many people just to rescue one Master Masakatsu a bit wasteful? I have something else to do later."
Ayaka frowned slightly at Yucheng's words but said nothing. Lumine and Paimon could only head to Hanamizaka on their own. Soon, only Ayaka and Yucheng remained in the room at Komore Teahouse.
The atmosphere suddenly grew awkward. Yucheng continued eating meat by himself, while Ayaka, kneeling opposite him, looked somewhat uncomfortable, as though she wanted to say