Chapter 88: Nakano Sisters

"Is it over?"

At this time, Miku timidly poked her head out to look around. The one-eyed cursed spirit had been exorcised, and the sky, which had grown unnaturally dark, had returned to normal. The oppressive atmosphere had lifted significantly.

"Let's go," Ryuji said, glancing at her briefly before stuffing his hands into his pockets and walking away.

"Wait for me!"

Miku, realizing he was leaving, hurried to catch up with him. Even though the monster was gone, she wasn't brave enough to stay alone in such a place. In her haste, she nearly tripped, but Ryuji caught her just in time.

"Successfully contacted target: Miku Nakano! A purple entry has been triggered, do you want to load it?"

Ryuji raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. He hadn't expected the entry to trigger now he thought if it didn't happen the first time, it wouldn't later. But it seemed like a pleasant surprise.

"That…"

Miku's shy voice broke the silence. She hadn't thought much earlier, but now, as she looked at Ryuji up close, she seemed a little flustered. Her mind was racing.

Ryuji, without any ulterior motives, simply let go of her.

"Be careful next time."

"Hmm… hmm," she muttered, lowering her head, falling into step behind him. She followed silently, unsure of what to say. Ryuji didn't know how to respond either, so he left it at that.

Whatever, Ryuji thought, focusing his attention elsewhere. Let's check that entry.

The notification about the entry had come up, and now he wanted to see what it was.

"Purple Entry: Acting!"

That wasn't from Miku he remembered that one triggered earlier, with Mai Sakurajima.

Thinking back on it, if not for this opportunity, Ryuji would have almost forgotten about it.

"Eh, let's just decompose it."

It didn't seem particularly useful, so Ryuji decided to break it down.

Next, he checked the new entry that had just triggered from Miku.

"Purple Entry: Acting!"

"...???"

Acting again? Ryuji furrowed his brows. What kind of ability was this? After a closer look, he realized it was just related to cosplay.

Now that he thought about it, Miku did have a hobby of dressing up as her sisters. Did this mean if you married Miku, you'd technically be marrying all five? (T/N: Fuutaro fumbled the bag big time)

"Hiss!"

Shaking his head, Ryuji pushed the thought away. He couldn't help laughing to himself, though. It was a strange idea, but not completely off the mark.

"Alright, let's break this down too," he said, choosing decomposition again.

Honestly, he didn't see why something like cosplay would rank as a purple-level entry. Maybe it was just the "heroine effect," elevating otherwise mundane abilities.

For most people, something like this wouldn't even register as an ability.

"[Talent entry system]

Host: Ryuji Hoshino

Bloodline: Human

Loaded entries: Soul Devouring [Red], Yin-Yang Eyes [Gold], Presence Concealment [Gold],Tranquility [Gold], Reverse Cursed Technique [Gold], Monster Attracting Physique [Gold], Third Dimension, Dreamwalker [Gold], Physical Strengthening [Gold], Cursed Speech [Gold], Shadow Manipulation [Gold], Iron Fist [Purple].

Points: 76,120!"

Not bad another 2,000 points added.

When the purple entry is triggered ten times, he'd get a free purple draw.

All in all, Ryuji was pretty satisfied with the current progress.

"That…" Miku's voice brought Ryuji back to reality as they walked out of the construction site together. She hesitated for a moment, then gathered her courage.

"Can I ask you for a favor?"

"Hm?"

Ryuji paused and glanced back at her.

"Could you take me home?"

Miku knew it was probably too much to ask, but after everything that had just happened, she didn't have the courage to walk home alone even if it was broad daylight.

"Take you home?"

"I…"

She lowered her head quickly, her face turning beet red.

Whoever said the "hero saving the damsel" trope was outdated was wrong.

"Hahaha!"

Ryuji couldn't help but laugh at her flustered response. It was just too cute.

"Alright, alright! I'll take you home," he said, still chuckling. He didn't have anything better to do anyway. At most, he'd just send a message to Haruno later to let her know the problem at the site was resolved.

"Thank you!"

Miku's face lit up as she quickly followed him.

As they walked, curiosity got the better of her. "Um, what was that monster back there?"

"Well," Ryuji began, glancing at her. "Sooner or later, everyone's going to know, so I guess it doesn't hurt to tell you in advance."

The existence of cursed spirits wasn't going to stay hidden forever. Ordinary people would learn about them eventually, and considering what Miku had just been through, it was probably better to explain.

So, as they walked, Ryuji gave her a quick rundown of the world of curses.

***

Meanwhile, in the domain of Ryomen Sukuna, on a throne of bones, Sukuna slowly opened his eyes.

"Another one gone…"

He had just sensed the loss of another finger. Just like before, it hadn't been destroyed merely vanished. He could no longer feel its presence.

"So, there's a capable sorcerer in this era, after all," Sukuna mused, a wicked smile curling his lips.

The first time, he hadn't been too concerned, but now, with a second finger lost, it was different. Each of his fingers contained a part of his power, and losing one meant losing one-twentieth of his strength.

If it were just one, it wouldn't be an issue. He could compensate. But with two already gone, and the possibility of losing more, even when he fully resurrected, he wouldn't return at full strength.

"Tsk."

Sukuna's grin widened, though it didn't reach his eyes.

But he wasn't one to rage blindly. There was no point. He'd reclaim what was his in time.

"My time is coming soon," Sukuna whispered to himself. The moment was approaching. He knew his finger hadn't been destroyed it had simply been placed somewhere beyond his reach.

Once he found out who was responsible, he'd retrieve what was his.

"Wait for me," Sukuna chuckled. "What belongs to me will always come back to me."

***

At the same time, Ryuji had no idea that he was already on Sukuna's radar.

But even if he had known, he wouldn't have been worried. He had anticipated this when he put Sukuna's fingers into his space, sealing them off from the world.

The worst-case scenario? A fight.

He still had time before Sukuna's full resurrection, and Ryuji didn't doubt that he would grow strong enough to face even the curse king by then.

By that time, even if Sukuna were at his peak, Ryuji was confident he could knock him down.

***

"Is this the place?"

Before long, they arrived at Miku's house. It was a large, luxurious home a fitting residence for a family supporting quintuplets.

"Well, thank you!"

Miku hadn't expected the walk home to feel so short. She was a little disappointed, actually. As they stood by the entrance, she realized she didn't want the time with Ryuji to end just yet.

Suddenly, she blurted, "Why not come inside for some tea?"

"..."

Ryuji chuckled. He knew she probably meant it innocently, but still, he couldn't help but find the situation amusing.

If it had been an older, more experienced woman, the offer might have had a different meaning. But Miku was still just a girl.

"No, I've got other things to do. I'll take a raincheck," he said with a smile. There would be plenty of opportunities in the future, so there was no need to rush.

Miku's face fell for a moment, but she quickly nodded. She assumed he had to go deal with more curses elsewhere after all, he was some kind of hero.

"Can I get your contact info, at least?"

"Sure."

Ryuji didn't refuse. After exchanging numbers with Miku, he turned to leave.

But before he walked away, he glanced up at the second-floor window of Miku's house.

There, peeking curiously from behind the curtains, were four other heads all watching what was happening with great interest.

"Huh. Looks like I caught some attention," Ryuji muttered with a smirk.

Inside, the rest of the Nakano sisters were watching the scene below, each with their own thoughts.

Could it be that Miku's in love?" Ichika, the eldest sister, teased with a sly grin.

"Ah, this is interesting," Nino chimed in, raising an eyebrow. "What a shame though…"

"What do you mean, 'what a shame'?" Yotsuba asked, tilting her head curiously.

"That boy is so handsome!" Nino added, her tone a mix of envy and playful annoyance.

Miku, meanwhile, stood at the front door, watching Ryuji's figure slowly disappear down the street. She glanced down at the contact information saved in her phone, her heart beating a little faster.

She hadn't expected such an intense day, nor did she expect to meet someone like Ryuji. Now that he was gone, she felt oddly empty but a part of her was hopeful, knowing they'd likely see each other again. After all, they attended the same school, and their paths were bound to cross.

Thinking about this made her feel a bit more relaxed, but just as she turned to go inside, she was ambushed by her sisters.

"Miku! Spill the details!" Ichika grinned, stepping in front of her. "Who was that guy?"

"Yeah, who was he? You're not hiding something from us, are you?" Nino pressed, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"I—It's not what you think!" Miku stammered, her face immediately turning red. "He's just a friend. He helped me out today."

The four sisters exchanged glances, clearly not buying her explanation. Miku rarely had interactions with guys, and the fact that this boy had personally walked her home had them all on edge.

"Come on, Miku," Ichika coaxed, wrapping an arm around her. "You can tell your big sister the truth."

"I-It's nothing like that!" Miku insisted, her embarrassment growing. "He just… He just saved me from a monster!"

"A monster?" Yotsuba's eyes widened. "What kind of monster?"