Ichika’s Dream

"Wow, they're all so beautiful."

"This is the first time I've seen quintuplets, they really exist."

"So jealous! I wish I could take that guy's place."

Arriving at the shrine, those who visited couldn't help but glance at the Nakano Family quintuplets. Quintuplets, in general, were considered a miracle, let alone the Nakano quintuplets.

Ichika, Nino, Miku, Yotsuba, and Itsuki were used to being the center of attention. They were unfazed by the whispers of people around them.

It was routine for them.

"Itsuki, control your appetite. You can eat as much as you want after we finish praying."

Observing Itsuki eyeing the food stalls lining both sides of the street, Nino reminded her.

"I-I know. Don't treat me like a child."

Blushing with embarrassment, Itsuki weakly retorted.

"Ouch."

Due to the crowd at the shrine, a pedestrian bumped into Miku, nearly causing her to fall again.

"Be careful, Miku-nee. This is the second time you've almost fallen today."

Akira said, holding her back.

"What's wrong with Miku today? Misfortune seems to be following you this morning."

Although it sounded mocking, Nino was genuinely concerned.

"There's nothing I can do. It's all just a coincidence."

Miku complained, puffing her cheeks.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure Miku doesn't fall for the third time."

Yotsuba pledged, patting her chest. Then, she walked ahead, shielding Miku from other pedestrians.

This time, Miku didn't experience any incidents. They waited in line for their turn to pray.

After a few minutes, it was their turn.

Throwing coins into the offertory box, they rang the bell, clapped their hands twice, closed their eyes, and prayed to the deity.

Akira did the same, even though his faith wasn't worth mentioning.

Their prayer was one: to find the Jewel of Four Souls!

After finishing their prayers, they left the prayer area.

"Hey, what wishes did you all make?" Ichika asked while adjusting her hair behind her ear.

"Isn't it said that wishes won't come true if you tell others?" Yotsuba said naively.

"But there's no scientific proof of that. Besides, we're not others; we're a family."

Ichika glanced at Akira watching from the side.

"Well... What Ichika said makes sense."

Initially, Itsuki shared a similar thought to Yotsuba, but after hearing those words, she changed her mind.

"Okay, since I started this, I'll tell you the contents of my wish."

They stared at Ichika curiously.

"I wished for my career to become even more successful, to become an international actress, and even act in Hollywood films."

"Amazing! Ichika set such high goals. I'm sure with your abilities, that dream will come true."

With sparkling eyes, Yotsuba sincerely blessed her sister.

"It's not impossible. With your popularity now, it's only a matter of time before you become famous internationally."

Nino was very optimistic about it.

"Good luck fulfilling your expectations. We'll always support you, Ichika."

Itsuki said earnestly.

"That's a great dream. Ichika will surely make it come true."

Miku spoke softly.

"So, what do you think, Akira-chan?"

Seeing everyone supporting her, Ichika turned and looked at Akira, who hadn't said anything.

"Me? Whatever path Ichika-nee chooses, I support you."

Akira said seriously.

"Onee-san is glad to hear that. Rest assured; I won't disappoint any of you."

Ichika nodded, satisfied with the response.

Unlike her other sisters, after graduating from high school, she didn't continue to university. She would fully focus on developing her career in the entertainment industry.

"Next, whose turn is it?" She looked around, smiling with her iconic smile.

They exchanged glances, and no one dared to start.

"Ah, does anyone want to eat takoyaki?"

Passing by a takoyaki stall, Itsuki caught a whiff of octopus meat in the air. She forgot her embarrassment when facing her awakened appetite.

"As expected from Itsuki. Confronted with the temptation of food, you quickly change your nature."

Nino complained.

She was accustomed to Itsuki's terrifying appetite.

"I'm still full. So, no need."

Yotsuba shook her head and declined.

"Me too. My stomach can't hold any more food."

Miku touched her stomach. From the start, her appetite was the smallest among the quintuplets.

"How about Ichika and Akira-kun?" Itsuki asked, diverting her attention to the two of them.

Akira and Ichika declined. So, Itsuki asked them to wait for her a moment, then, with a cheerful expression, she ordered takoyaki for herself.

"While waiting for Itsuki-nee, let's sit over there."

Looking around, Akira found a seating area.

Ichika and the others didn't object. Before that, Yotsuba approached Itsuki and informed her of their seating location so that she wouldn't be confused when she returned.

After sitting down, Akira noticed Miku rubbing her feet. So, he squatted in front of her and removed her clog sandals.

"Miku's feet are swollen!"

Yotsuba exclaimed, shocked by the condition of her feet.

"This may be because she almost fell earlier, twice."

Ichika thought for a moment and made a guess.

"It's very likely. Why didn't you say anything, Miku? You should have informed us if you were injured."

Nino scolded her while expressing concern for her condition.

"I'm sorry. I didn't want to spoil the atmosphere."

Miku felt guilty and replied weakly.

"I'll buy ice cubes."

Standing up, Yotsuba was about to leave, but her hand was held by Akira.

"No need. Did Yotsuba-nee forget one of my abilities?"

"Eh?"

After being reminded, Yotsuba pondered and finally remembered what he meant.

"Hehe... I forgot because I panicked too much."

"Even as an adult, Yotsuba remains Yotsuba."

Ichika chuckled, finding Yotsuba's childish behavior amusing.

It's worth noting that among the quintuplets, Yotsuba had climbed the ladder of adulthood and left them in the dust.

On the other hand, Miku felt embarrassed as her feet were being touched by Akira in public. Sensing some glances around, she became even more embarrassed.

"Wait a moment, Miku-nee."

After saying that, Akira used one of his Stand abilities, Life Shot.

Life energy flowed from his hands, healing Miku's feet at a visible speed.

In just a few seconds, the swelling on her feet disappeared as if nothing had happened.

"No matter how many times I see it, this is an extraordinary sight."

Ichika praised how amazing her younger brother was.

"With that power, I wonder how many people Akira can heal in the world."

Yotsuba sighed deeply.

"Foolish. If Akira's power becomes public knowledge, he'll become a target for governments and greedy organizations eager to investigate the source of his abilities. Do you want to see him become a guinea pig for human experimentation?"

Nino stared at Yotsuba, blaming her.

"Sorry, I didn't think that far."

After hearing the lecture, Yotsuba found it reasonable. She realized she was too naive and hadn't considered the dark side of humanity.

"Yotsuba-Nee isn't wrong. Don't scold her, Nino-Nee. She's too kind... Truly, her kindness will backfire on her if not supervised."

"Um... I feel like Akira isn't defending me at all."

The green rabbit ear ribbon on Yotsuba's head wilted after hearing Akira's words.

"That's just your feeling."

After forcing Miku's clog sandals back on, Akira stood up and denied.