🎉SCIAW: Chapter 144/147

Chapter 144: Love Confirmed

Hayasaka's firm words left Kaguya speechless.

Because she knew Hayasaka was right.

It wasn't just her fate that was intertwined with Ren—there were others, and not just one or two. More and more would become connected to him over time.

Although Ren hadn't explicitly stated that things would develop in that direction, Kaguya felt it was highly probable.

After all, the connection through the diaries only deepened over time, and now that everyone was on the path of longevity, their futures were bound to become even more extraordinary.

In such a scenario, their ties to Ren would only grow stronger—never weaker.

Kaguya remained silent for a long time before finally voicing a willful and even somewhat childish thought.

"What if I quit now?"

"Can you imagine Miss Fujiwara standing intimately beside Amamiya?"

The moment she proposed this hypothetical situation, an inexplicable surge of irritation welled up inside her.

Her mind conjured an unbearable image: that sow with nutritional advantages on her chest clinging to Ren's arm.

…Absolutely not!

Even the mere thought of it sent her blood pressure soaring.

She simply couldn't stand it.

"Besides," Hayasaka continued, "according to my speculation, Miss Suzuki has already begun trying to win over Miss Mouri."

"!?"

Kaguya stiffened at Hayasaka's sudden statement.

"When did this happen?"

"During the trip to Tsukikage Island."

Kaguya widened her eyes, trying to recall. After a moment of deep thought, realization struck.

She gritted her teeth.

"It's the name."

She remembered now— Sonoko called Amamiya Ren, and Ran had done the same.

Hayasaka nodded slightly.

"From what we know, Miss Mouri's childhood sweetheart has repeatedly let her down, lying to her, hiding things from her again and again.

"Personally, I think Miss Mouri is quite patient.

"Every time they go out, they're interrupted by a case.

"Every opportunity to confess ends up slipping away.

"It's only natural that she'd feel disappointed.

Kaguya found herself agreeing.

After reviewing the investigation data, she also felt that Ran's personality was remarkably good, she was practically another version of Fujiwara Chika.

But no matter how kind and patient a person is, there's a limit to how much disappointment they can endure.

From an outsider's perspective, Kaguya felt that as long as Kudo Shinichi had simply spoken a few words, his relationship with Ran would have been secure.

But for some reason, he never did.

What's so difficult about this?

Kaguya simply couldn't understand.

"At this point in time, Miss Mouri is deeply disappointed in her childhood sweetheart."

"And Kudo Shinichi has essentially erased his own identity."

"At this moment, if a boy with good qualities were to appear by Miss Mouri's side… wouldn't she naturally be drawn to him?"

Absolutely.

Kaguya already knew the answer in her heart.

After all, they were just childhood friends. Did she really need to remain so attached to someone who had essentially erased his own existence?

Kudo Shinichi made his own choices.

After being drugged and forced into hiding, he decided to prioritize regaining his identity and investigating the organization over confessing his feelings.

That was his decision.

So, was it really wrong for Ran, knowing all this, to move on?

They weren't even dating. In such a situation, it was perfectly natural for her to form connections with other men.

"Amamiya has already made it clear: due to the intertwining of fate, there will inevitably be complicated relationships between us and him in the future."

"You had no objections at the beginning. Neither did Miss Mouri."

"Isn't this simply a practice of that reality?"

A practice, huh…

Kaguya almost laughed in exasperation.

But soon, her mind regained its calm.

"…Hayasaka, you're right."

"Amamiya has already warned us in advance. How things develop from here is up to us."

"Whether we become eternal friends, lovers, or wives… it's something we need to figure out for ourselves."

Kaguya's thoughts gradually settled, and she finally acknowledged that their future relationship wouldn't be simple.

There were only two options: becoming friends or becoming lovers.

And deep down, she already knew where she stood.

She couldn't accept seeing Fujiwara or any other girl standing intimately beside Ren.

That alone made her decision inevitable.

But even if the outcome was already decided, the process still needed to be sorted out properly.

Because these feelings were real.

Kaguya finally admitted to herself—what she felt for Ren wasn't mere interest or admiration.

It was love.

The discomfort she felt whenever Ren talked about other girls?

That was jealousy.

Now that she understood this, she could feel her face heating up.

Especially at the words wife and lover that had just slipped out of her own mouth.

"…Hu~"

Taking a deep breath, Kaguya forced herself to stay composed.

"For now, let's set this topic aside."

"Our relationship with Amamiya should continue as normal."

"As for the question of wife or lover, that's not something that will be decided anytime soon."

"The real issue right now is how I should respond to Amamiya's request."

The matter of romance wasn't the immediate concern.

It wasn't something that could be sorted out overnight, and Kaguya didn't think they could quickly clarify their relationships with Ren anyway.

Feelings needed time to grow and develop naturally.

For now, they should let things take their course.

But Ren had made a request and that needed to be addressed immediately.

"Miss Kaguya, since you've already decided to help, there's no need to hesitate."

"A normal reply will suffice."

"Besides, Amamiya-san isn't the type to bother others casually. If he's reaching out, it means he sees that person as someone he can rely on."

"…"

Kaguya froze for a moment. Then, her mind clicked into place.

That possibility… wasn't impossible.

And with that realization, everything suddenly became clear.

"I understand."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 145: Explanation

After collecting her thoughts, Kaguya called back.

"Amamiya, I have a general understanding of the situation."

"In addition to our holdings in light and heavy industries, the Shinomiya family also has some influence in the film and television industry. I'll have Aunt Nao speak with the firm's manager later."

"I trust he won't do anything inappropriate or disgraceful."

Hearing this, Ren felt that the matter could be handled without the need for a lawyer.

"Thank you, Shinomiya."

"It's no trouble at all, just a small matter."

Kaguya smiled softly.

"Are you planning to establish the studio now?"

"Not right away. Even if I do set up a studio, I'll need to bring in the right people first."

"I'm not familiar with that part, but I think she knows some people who can help."

"If that's the case, then I suggest your friend keep certain connections behind the studio discreet at first."

"That way, it'll be easier to identify those who genuinely want to collaborate."

"True. That approach would be much better and would prevent unnecessary complications later."

It was a good suggestion, and Ren readily accepted it.

He signaled to Yoko, who had been listening.

Yoko nodded slightly, approving of the idea. It would allow her to screen potential allies and avoid a situation where acquaintances felt entitled to recommend themselves once the studio was established.

"Alright, alright~ It's Ai's turn now."

"Hey! Hayasaka, why did you snatch my phone?"

The two had a rather close relationship.

Hearing the voices on the other end, Ren couldn't help but mutter.

"Amamiya-san, why are you suddenly helping an older woman start a studio?"

"Kaguya-sama was getting jealous just now."

"Huh?"

Ren looked at Yoko in confusion.

Yoko was momentarily surprised, but she quickly caught on and chuckled as she took the phone from Ren's hand.

"Alright then~ It's Okino Yoko's turn now~"

Mimicking the playful tone of the girl on the other end, Yoko's voice carried a teasing edge.

"Let me explain it myself."

"A while ago, I ran into some trouble and was nearly strangled to death. Fortunately, Ren saved my life."

"When I visited him the next day to thank him, I realized he had always been alone."

"So, out of gratitude and a sense of wanting to repay his kindness, I decided to become part of his family."

"But in the end, instead of me taking care of him like an older sister should, he's the one taking care of me. It's as if I'm the younger sibling instead."

"Ren is a boy who appears cold on the outside but is warm on the inside."

"He acts like he doesn't like to meddle in others' affairs, yet he listens to my complaints and helps solve my problems."

"I really do feel like a younger sister around him."

"Even this time, he was the one who helped me."

"He noticed the company was using harmful substances on me and suggested I start my own studio."

"Despite not being one to meddle in others' business, he has helped me so many times."

"Since I can't possibly repay him fully… well, my only option is to work hard to be his family and repay him little by little in life."

"But honestly, my plan to be the 'older sister' has backfired. He really does see me as a little sister instead."

"And that's Okino Yoko's explanation."

"As for the girl over there, if you like him, you need to take the initiative. He's not the kind of guy who will make the first move."

After finishing her words, Yoko handed the phone back to Ren, who looked helpless.

And on the other side of the phone?

Hayasaka had already turned on the speaker.

Kaguya had heard every word Yoko had said.

So she really wants to be Ren's sister.

And… does she not know Ren's secret?

Thinking about this, Shinomiya Kaguya's expression relaxed.

However, in contrast, Hayasaka's expression became more serious.

She glanced at Kaguya-san, who had visibly calmed down, and shook her head slightly.

Kaguya-sama, you're celebrating too soon.

Hayasaka could tell that Yoko had no knowledge of Ren's secret.

But that was precisely why they needed to be cautious.

She clearly had no idea about the diary or Ren's secret, yet he had still helped her. That alone spoke volumes.

Still, it was best not to discuss this right now.

Since she claimed she would treat Ren as family, they could trust her, at least for the time being.

After getting his phone back, Ren rolled his eyes at Yoko, who was playing with her expression.

He let out a helpless sigh.

"Sorry, Shinomiya."

"I said some unnecessary things."

At this moment, Kaguya felt at peace. There was no discomfort—if anything, she even felt a sense of familiarity.

"Not at all."

"Hayasaka was the one who brought up unnecessary things."

Ren immediately understood her meaning.

"You mean the jealousy part?"

"Hmm... yes."

"You're free this weekend, right?"

"Of course."

"Let's go out more often in the future."

"Naturally."

Their conversation flowed seamlessly, resembling that of a middle-aged couple.

Listening in, Yoko couldn't help but laugh.

Even Hayasaka nearly burst out laughing.

"Then, see you on Monday, Shinomiya-san."

"Yes, see you at school on Monday, Amamiya-san."

With that, they tacitly ended the call.

Yoko smiled and turned to Ren, choosing not to continue the conversation about business. Instead, she looked at him with intrigue.

"Well, now I know you're not being kept. But honestly, this is even more impressive than being kept."

"You've got quite the close relationship with this mysterious young lady."

Ren didn't deny it. Their relationship was indeed complicated.

"Are you thinking about discussing it with someone?"

Hearing this, the smile on Yoko's face faded into a look of mild concern.

"Well… that's a problem too."

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to Vantas for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉

Chapter 146: This Weekend’s Training Schedule

Monday marked the start of a new school week after the brief two-day weekend break.

For students, this was always a depressing reality.

Who would want to return to school so soon after a break?

Many struggled to readjust, their faces reflecting their reluctance. Meanwhile, in their hearts, they were already counting down the days until the next weekend.

Even though the weekend had just ended, they were already longing for the next one.

Ren felt the same way.

After all, who didn't enjoy a break?

He yawned on his way to school and even took a nap at his desk during class.

That first morning after the weekend was proving to be even more boring than expected.

At noon, Ren grabbed his lunch and headed to the clubroom.

When he arrived, two people were already there.

"You're here early today."

Upon opening the door, he found Sonoko and Ran already sitting inside, eating.

"We used to eat in the classroom, but now that we have a clubroom, why should we suffer in there?"

Sonoko's words made sense.

The clubroom's conditions were far superior to the classroom's. It had comfortable sofas, properly adjusted air conditioning, and none of the discomfort of freezing hands and feet in the winter.

Ever since the club was established, Sonoko had been more than happy to spend her lunch breaks here.

"As for Ran, I think she just doesn't want to eat her 'three-tier tower' in the classroom."

"Sonoko!"

Three-tier tower?

Ren didn't get it at first. Then, his gaze fell on the large lunchbox on the table. A third of the rice on the right side had already been eaten.

Instantly, he understood.

Then, he glanced at Ran's blushing face.

Yep.

She probably didn't want too many people to know she had become a foodie.

Girls cared about that sort of thing.

However, more than simply being seen as a foodie, Ren suspected that Ran didn't want people bringing up her weight.

After all, a weight exceeding 70 kilograms was on the heavier side for a girl.

Even if it wasn't visibly obvious, seeing how much she ate would inevitably make people start asking questions.

"Eating a lot isn't necessarily a bad thing."

"Ran has a special reason for eating more, what she eats directly converts into strength."

That was the downside of being a physically gifted fighter.

Ren could understand why Ran was concerned.

Girls were sensitive about their weight. Even if their bodies only changed slightly, they still noticed.

"Actually, aside from eating, there's another issue."

"Another issue?"

"Yeah. I can't control my strength properly."

As she spoke, Ran threw a punch into the air.

"Bang!"

A deep, dull sound echoed—first in the air, then on the nearby wall.

This display of sheer force was rather eye-catching.

While the impact didn't leave a crater on the wall, it clearly demonstrated how much Ran's physical strength and speed had improved.

This was practically the pinnacle of human capability.

"Recently, when I train at the karate club, it takes four or five boys to hold the sandbag in place so it doesn't get sent flying by my punch."

"My strength has increased so much that Tsukamoto-Senpai suggested I stop participating in the club's daily training for now."

"She even told me to focus on strength control exercises."

"Only after I pass a control test will I be allowed to resume training."

Ran's excitement faded as she spoke.

While she was happy about her increased strength, speed, explosive power, and endurance…

The weight gain and lack of control over her newfound strength were troublesome.

"You definitely need to train."

From just that one punch, Ren could already tell—if Ran got serious, she could kill someone with a single hit.

"A casual punch from you could already break someone's bones."

"If you put in even a little extra force, you might send them straight to the ICU."

Ran looked at her hands, troubled.

"Yeah, I've noticed that too."

"But I don't know where my limits are. I'm afraid to use too much strength during normal training."

"How am I supposed to adapt to this?"

Only by understanding one's own limits could one begin to control their body.

Ordinary boxers didn't have this issue.

For them, strength and endurance increased gradually as they trained and gained weight.

But for Ran, her power-ups were completely unnatural.

The food she ate directly enhanced her body's abilities, and the effects were immediate.

It wasn't just a slight boost, it was as if her stats were suddenly maxed out, like a stock price hitting its upper limit overnight.

Except stocks had an upper limit.

Ran's body did not.

Especially with mysterious elements involved, her limits had already surpassed what was considered human.

That made it even harder for her to control her power.

Ren didn't have a good solution for this.

After all, the abilities he had mastered…

Wait.

Would the Warrior sequence help with power control?

The Seer, Marauder, and Apprentice sequences were not designed for direct combat, so they would not be useful here.

But he had just obtained the River of Eternal Darkness this weekend.

Darkness and Death weren't ideal for power control, but the Warrior was different.

After all, warriors specialized in pure strength and skill—so it should be useful for mastering power.

This gave Ren an idea.

"Didn't Sanzenin invite everyone to train in another dimension?"

"Maybe we should schedule it for this weekend."

The moment he brought it up, Sonoko perked up.

"This weekend?"

"Then, Ren, will you train with me this time?"

That left Ren feeling a little awkward.

"But my abilities aren't suited for direct combat."

"I could act as a commentator, but if I actually joined in, I'd have nothing to show."

"Ah…"

Hearing that, Sonoko's excitement visibly dropped.

"Sonoko, aren't you curious about Shinomiya-san's abilities?"

Her enthusiasm paused.

"Sanzenin and Maria have the same type of power. Aren't you interested in what they can do?"

Sonoko's excitement returned slightly.

"And Ran's abilities—especially her magic nullification. Don't you want to see what that looks like?"

At this, Sonoko's excitement returned to full force.

"…Okay, I'm interested again!"

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to Vantas for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉

Chapter 147: Restraint Is More Important Than Power

The battles between extraordinary individuals were always fascinating to watch.

Unfortunately, Ren followed the Sequence Path, and his chosen sequence wasn't one focused on direct combat. At lower sequences, his ability to fight head-on was actually quite weak.

However, even if Ren couldn't participate, the others still could.

For example, Sanzenin and Maria, who followed the Vision path.

Or Kaguya and Hayasaka, who had obtained Devil Fruits.

And then there was Ran.


---

"A group training session is planned for this weekend?"

Upon hearing the news, Chika jumped up from her seat in shock.

"So, does that mean we get to see a battle between superpowered people this weekend?!"

"It's not a 'superpower battle.' This weekend's focus is on training—it's not necessarily a full-scale fight."

Kaguya tried to correct Chika's misunderstanding.

But Chika simply turned to Ren with excitement.

"Amamiya, in a normal fight, who do you think has the highest chance of winning?"

Her question immediately sparked interest among everyone in the club.

After all, who was the strongest?

This was a question that intrigued everyone.

And the only one who could answer it was Ren.

Only he knew the full extent of everyone's abilities, making him the best judge of their power levels.

After thinking for a moment, Ren answered,

"If it's a direct fight, then Ran would likely emerge as the final winner."

"Ran?"

Chika hadn't expected this answer.

Ren nodded but didn't elaborate. Instead, he looked at Nagi and Kaguya.

Nagi remained silent for a moment before speaking.

"Magic nullification is too much of a cheat ability."

"I've been a shut-in for years. I'm terrible at physical activities, and my only real asset is my elemental power."

"But if my elemental power gets nullified, I'm completely helpless."

Nagi was well aware of her own weaknesses.

Even though she had obtained a Vision, this major flaw remained.

After all, obtaining a Vision didn't magically transform years of a sedentary lifestyle into peak physical ability in just two weeks.

If her elemental powers became ineffective, she would have no means to fight back.

"The only thing I can do is maintain a certain height, if I stay in the air where Ran can't reach me, she can't win… but I also can't win."

"So it's a draw?" Chika tilted her head.

Nagi rolled her eyes.

"No, in the end, it would turn into a battle of stamina."

"Do you really think my endurance can match Ran's? Against someone with enhanced physical abilities?"

Chika suddenly realized the problem.

If the battle dragged on, Ran would always have the advantage.

Understanding this, she turned to Kaguya.

"Then, why would you lose?"

"For the same reason as Sanzenin."

Kaguya shook her head and gave a straightforward response.

"My ability allows me to create ice, and I can also transform into an element, making me immune to physical attacks. But I'm not immune to magic nullification."

"If Ran's nullification ability works on me, then my only option is to take a direct hit from her punch."

"And if I get hit by her fist… I'll probably die instantly."

"After all, with her enhanced physical ability, the last thing I'd ever want is to be on the receiving end of one of her punches."

Without her ability to become an element, Kaguya had no way to break through Ran's nullification.

At that point, the fight would come down to physical strength.

And just like Nagi, Kaguya had no chance in that kind of contest.

The reasoning was simple.

Ran's power was gained through her body's natural enhancement via eating.

Her karate training had already given her extraordinary physical prowess, but now, with the added factor of supernatural growth, even the strongest athletes wouldn't be able to match her.

In a purely physical contest, the outcome was clear.


---

"Hmm~ as expected, abilities that can nullify superpowers are the most troublesome."

After hearing both Nagi's and Kaguya's perspectives, Chika came to the same conclusion.

Then she turned back to Amamiya Ren.

"Amamiya, how did you manage to break through Ran's magic nullification last time?"

"…Well, I basically just overpowered the limit of her nullification ability."

Ren thought for a moment before explaining,

"Magic nullification has an upper limit."

"Also, it only nullifies supernatural abilities, it doesn't stop physical attacks."

"For example, guns and bombs would still work."

"Those are the limitations of nullification."

That clarification was important.

However, the conversation didn't end there.

"That said, as Ran continues to get stronger, faster reflexes, higher speed, greater explosiveness, she might eventually reach a point where she can dodge bullets and explosives entirely."

"At that point, aside from high-yield weapons capable of destroying an entire city, regular firearms probably won't have much effect on her."

"In that regard, Ran is no different from other ability users."

Ren wasn't biased.

Different abilities had different application scenarios.

Magic nullification was problematic for ability users, just as ability users were problematic for normal humans with standard weapons.


---

"Besides, this training session isn't just about fighting."

"You all have powerful abilities now, but you need a proper platform to use them."

"Until now, you've had to constantly restrain yourselves."

"An uncontrolled power outburst would draw too much attention."

Kaguya and Nagi nodded in agreement.

Releasing their abilities in public would be far too conspicuous. If the government took notice, things could get troublesome.

"That's why Hayasaka's Door-Door Fruit is so valuable, it gives us a private dimension where you can unleash your power freely."

"Holding back all the time stunts your progress."

"Just look at Ran, her body has been continuously strengthening, but because she lacks control, it's become a serious issue."

"That's why you need to learn how to master your abilities properly."

Ren paused for a moment before adding,

"Of course, the best places for this kind of training would be remote islands or uninhabited mountainous areas."

"That way, if anything goes wrong in the other dimension, it won't risk exposing any of you."

(To be continued.)