Conflict between Asada Shinichi and Nakano Maruo

In front of Triangle Park at the corner of Yoko-2-chome, Nino clutched her chest, panting heavily, before slowly being able to catch her breath again.

"It should be here..."

The umbrella held over her head, but due to the rain and running, except for her hair which was still somewhat dry, her entire body was drenched by the rain, and the cold air penetrated her clothes and seeped into her bones.

The cold December rain was uncomfortable even wearing winter uniforms.

"Hiss, I'm so cold..."

Her whole body trembled uncontrollably, Nino exhaled white smoke, but she forced herself and walked towards the park.

Not only did it worry her, but it also got her wet. Nino had already listed both of these accounts and asked them to pay him back later!

The first thing now was to ensure his safety and inquire about the battle.

Before understanding the details, Nino wouldn't call anyone else to inform them. This was her selfish intention, so there was no need to state it explicitly.

Glancing randomly at the familiar black car parked outside, Nino quickly looked around and immediately spotted three umbrellas at the corner of the park.

Usually, there wouldn't be anyone in the park in weather like this, let alone people standing there holding umbrellas and talking like fools.

Regardless of whether it was true or not, go and see first.

Nino walked through the rain curtain, stepping on the grass, passing the trees, and running straight towards them.

Before she was really close, her heard the familiar sound breaking through the heavy rain and echoing confidently throughout the park.

"Yes, I like them. I like all five of them. I don't like the quintuplets, but I like the unique five of them!"

Unconsciously, Nino hid behind the outermost tree, silently stretching her head out and squinting, trying to see clearly the three men holding umbrellas who seemed to be facing each other.

This sight made her open her mouth wide and almost scream.

(Dad, Ebata-san?)

(Why are they here?)

In her astonishment, she also confirmed the identity of the man standing in front of the two of them.

Of course, it was Shinichi who said on the phone that he would fight for their happiness and might be caught to fulfill Tokyo Bay.

"Shi-kun is fighting with Dad? Why? Didn't they have a good relationship during the sports festival..." Nino muttered, her eyes widened in disbelief.

The scariest thing was that Shinichi actually told her father about that idea without beating around the bush...

Basically, he told him directly: "I'm going to date your daughter, so what if you are their father? I just want you to have only one son-in-law to use!"

Cool indeed, but this statement was no different from seeking death, the target remained her scary father.

She

Would the rain turn into hail soon?

Nino could imagine how angry her father would be right now, and how much pressure Shinichi, standing across from him, would be under.

"What should be done..."

Even though she didn't know the reason, the first thing that crossed Nino's mind was to immediately jump in front of Shinichi and fight against her father with him.

Indeed, she didn't consider siding with her father.

The current anxiety and unease were all because of Shinichi. Nino never thought about how her father would feel after saying such things in front of him. She thought her father would be very angry, and might even fight Shinichi on the spot.

Nino couldn't be blamed, if a boyfriend and her father were fighting, of course, the girl would defend her boyfriend first.

And upon further thought, why did Shinichi say that to her father?

There was only one possibility – that is, her father had noticed what was happening between him and the quintuplets, and asked him which one he wanted to choose.

The voices coming from there seemed to confirm Nino's speculation.

"No matter how nicely you say it, so what? Do you think as a father... No, even as an observer with normal moral and ethical values, do you think I would accept your statement?"

Maruo's voice was lower than usual, but no longer as calm and serious as usual, but rather like a blazing fire trying desperately to be extinguished.

"Of course, you can't accept it with just words, so I'll use actions to prove my abilities and determination. This is what I promised them."

"Agree? It seems like your sweet words have a big influence on them. Are you taking advantage of the dreams and impulses of young love?"

"How many times have we struggled, debated, discussed, and confessed about our relationship? Your daughter is not a fool who knows nothing about love."

"You made the wrong choice and believed in the wrong person. Isn't that foolish? No, it must be said that you pretended to be too good... I didn't even expect you to be so greedy that you could even ignore morality and law."

"That's because you don't understand. You are a clumsy father who asked me to help you build a good relationship with your daughter during the sports festival. Don't you think you have missed too many things? You have been working and traveling abroad for years, and you have also been indulging in the lives of your daughters, missing their growth and changes."

"...The matter being discussed now has nothing to do with this."

"Oh yes, okay, it has nothing to do with this. You are my future father-in-law, and I will listen to you. You are right."

"..."

Even from a distance, Nino could still hear her father take a deep breath, and the air around him felt colder.

But no matter who it was, they must want to punch someone upon hearing those strange words, right? On the contrary, her father was able to restrain that desire, which made her feel extraordinary.

If Nino stood in front of Shinichi now, she would definitely turn around and punch him.

"I will not become your future father-in-law. I will not agree even if you date my daughter."

"I will make you my future father-in-law. I will also make you approve of my relationship with your daughters."

"No matter how much you talk, it's useless. Although I don't really want to interfere in my daughter's love life, as a father, no matter how hard I try, I can't leave my daughters for the rest of their lives to someone who can't even be 'dedicated'. A worthless person who can't do anything."

"But, as a father?" Shinichi suddenly sneered, "Then set aside the burden of being a father, Maruo-san, what do you most want to say to me right now?"

"..." Maruo fell silent.

Then, word by word, mixed with a cold anger that could freeze the rain, he spoke with a deep voice:

"Stay away from them, you bastard."

"I refuse."

Shinichi answered immediately without fear.

Maruo handed the umbrella to Ebata beside him, and slowly rolled up his suit sleeves.

"I don't think I would ever be that impulsive."