Chapter 284: Tsubaki Kasugano
"Do you want tea?"
"Yes, please..."
After letting her in, introducing themselves, and inviting her for tea, the trio enjoyed a pleasant moment of silence. No one spoke, just relishing the moment, as if they were a trio of friends rarely meeting.
Despite her doubts, Tsubaki accepted Yuki's tea but, of course, didn't ingest anything. Instead, she used her ability, creating a small spatial rift, making everything that entered her mouth disappear.
She wasn't foolish; who knows if that drink contained poison or not.
This is a game of survival.
Everyone is an enemy until this game ends, unless, of course, there's an alliance or some kind of benefit that unites them to work together.
And even though she faced two nuclear bombs, she shouldn't be underestimated.
While pretending to drink, she stole glances at Yuki.
(As expected of a god, creating such a person...)
Just like the Eleventh, Tsubaki mistakenly thought that Deus had created Yuki, being the Key to this Survival Game. The misunderstanding was to be expected.
But unlike the Eleventh, who was surprised by Yuki's power and ability, she was amazed by his beauty and elegance.
Yuki emitted an aura that set him apart from everyone, a light that illuminated the darkness. That's how Tsubaki described Yuki.
Someone pure...
She even thought he might not be human, as such light wasn't something humans could bear. An example would be Yuno; her aura was too chaotic and unstable that Tsubaki thought she was on a roller coaster.
Another thing that intrigued her is...
Why is the 'Key' a man? Or why is he flesh and blood? Why are his eyes heterochromatic?
Wouldn't it be more practical if it were a tool, aiding the Second in her victory, something that would increase her power?
Is it possible that Yuno requested it this way?
Seeing how Yuno exchanged glances and even the emotional dependence she emitted, Tsubaki thought that was the case.
Deus created the perfect man for Yuno.
(Not like I can't understand it.)
Understanding this fact, Tsubaki didn't judge her. She knew how terrible and ugly humans could be. If she had the chance to have someone who would never betray her, Tsubaki would wish for the same.
So she understood Yuno and looked at her sympathetically. Yuno, on the other hand, frowned, and the light in her eyes dimmed.
However, this didn't last long as Yuki decided to break the silence.
"And what brings you to this place, Miss Tsubaki...?"
"Don't you know? I believe I heard that you were waiting for me..."
Raising an eyebrow, Tsubaki lowered her tea cup. After all, it was obvious that this duo was waiting for her, and Yuki himself mentioned it, so it was logical that they knew about her circumstances.
"Yes, but I would like to hear your circumstances from you."
Of course, Yuki knew. Moreover, due to those circumstances, Yuki guided her to this place. However, it was Tsubaki who needed their help more than the other way around, so she had to speak plainly.
"I understand."
Sighing slightly, Tsubaki understood Yuki's point.
Although she would like to talk directly with Yuno, Yuki was controlling the situation, so she couldn't do anything but accept his request.
She then brought a hand to her red kimono to avoid beating around the bush.
However, her action was misinterpreted by Yuno, who tightened her grip on her katana, ready to attack. Fortunately, Yuki prevented her from continuing by placing a hand on hers.
"This is the reason for my visit..."
Tsubaki pretended not to notice the situation, directly showing her future diary.
Or rather, showing the huge [DEAD END]...
"So that's the case..."
Nodding, Yuki was right; his calculations didn't fail him.
The Sixth's Diary is a scroll, so its [DEAD END] was visible. Even Yuno opened her eyes when she saw this.
"As you can see, I'll die in two hours..."
"I understand... But what does that have to do with us?"
Indeed, even if she were to die, it had no direct relation to them. This is a Survival Game; deaths are mandatory. Whether she dies or not is irrelevant to them.
"It has a lot of importance, Yuki-kun. If I die, the Ninth will be stronger, and surely her next targets will be both of you. I'm sure this is not something that benefits you..."
Yes, although her death didn't directly affect them, it did indirectly. The Ninth is already powerful by killing a participant; if she manages to kill another, her power would enter a new stage.
And this is something Yuno and Yuki need to avoid...
"By coming here, I suppose you have something in mind..."
"That's right, Yuki-kun. I propose a deal. My death is not something that benefits us both. I want you to protect me until this Survival Game ends..."
Listening to this irrational demand, both Yuki and Yuno raised their eyebrows. This girl was asking for something irrelevant—asking your enemy to protect you; surely, this girl has thick skin.
"Wouldn't it be simpler if we kill you and end this?"
Growling in response, Yuno unsheathed her katana. Indeed, even if her death negatively affected them, that would only happen if another participant killed her. If they did it, it would be beneficial as they wouldn't have to watch their backs for another participant, and they would also avoid one less headache, like preventing the Ninth from gaining more power.
In a sense, if they killed her, it was the best course of action to take and would avoid taking another burden as well as a possible backstabber.
"I knew you would say that, Gasai-san. But if you kill me, your problems won't end, as in exchange for your protection, I offer my power. You cover my sword, and I cover yours. I'm sure you need manpower, Gasai-san, you can't gain more power. If we work together and eliminate the rest of the participants, ending this absurd game would be just around the corner. Also, my Diary is not weak; I offer information as well as an army. This city could very well be our fortress..."
It was a good deal with many risks, as Tsubaki said; they lacked manpower. Yuki had to be careful not to be trapped by the Demon King, and Yuno couldn't steal power, making them vulnerable to other participants.
Working with Tsubaki would bring them an overwhelming advantage; with three nuclear bombs, even the Ninth wouldn't be a threat.
But there were risks...
"If we agree, who will take care of killing the participants?"
"Of course, it will be you, Yuki-kun..."
It would be complete foolishness if they took care of weakening the enemy only for Tsubaki to deliver the final blow. It's like shooting themselves in the foot.
"Yuki-kun, Gasai-san, I have no ambition to become a God. I am a Miko, a messenger of the gods. It would be blasphemy to attempt to occupy the God's throne. Although I'm sure you already know this, all I want is to live and nothing more..."
If what she said was true, then this alliance was a bargain. They could exploit and use Tsubaki as bait, covering their backs while Tsubaki lived.
Of course, if she is sincere...
"No, I can't trust her, Yuki..."
Shaking her head, Yuno was the first to decline. Her instincts told her she couldn't trust that woman. That look and confidence were not something someone on the brink of death possessed. She's too calm and cool as a cucumber... She's planning something.
"You don't have to worry, Gasai-san. It's impossible for me to betray you. After all, I wouldn't want to be the next one to wield the 'Key.'"
As Tsubaki said, if for some reason she manages to kill Yuno, she would be the next to wield the winning Key. However, with that, she would also be the final target of the other participants. Since she can't steal power, she would be a sitting duck by then...
For someone who says she wants to live, doing this is stupid.
"Well, I accept the deal..."
"Yuki?!"
Turning his head, Yuno looked at him incredulously. It was clear that this woman was planning something, but even so, Yuki accepted her demands.
This was something Yuno couldn't accept. However, when she was about to retort, Yuki returned her gaze, preventing her from speaking again.
"Miss Tsubaki wants to live, that's reason enough to help her."
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TN: Well her backstory is kinda fucked up.
Sed