"Ah, right... I hadn't fully considered those real-world complications. Hmm..." Thinker stroked his chin, feeling a sudden pang of guilt as he fell into deep thought.
"How about this instead? We keep XeXeeD-san and Yamikaze-san, but we ask Musketeer X-san to take the third seat. As a mid-range sniper, her combat style still perfectly balances the trifecta. Then, Shana-san, you can make a brief, surprise guest appearance right at the very end. That way, we get the best of both worlds."
"Oh, I like that plan. If I'm the one asking, I'm sure X will agree to do it."
"Then it's settled! We'll move forward with that framework!"
"Perfect!"
With the plan finalized, MMO Today immediately began heavily promoting the upcoming special broadcast. True to form, XeXeeD practically jumped at the chance for airtime, and Yamikaze was more than willing to participate. Musketeer X, naturally, wasn't about to turn down a direct request from Shana.
Unsurprisingly, the upcoming panel quickly became the main topic of conversation within the Ten Wolves. Shana took the opportunity to explain the arrangement while Pitohui, Sinon, and Musketeer X happened to be hanging out together.
"Well, it makes total sense that Shana would rather have a cute girl like me representing us on screen," Sinon teased with a smirk.
"Don't flatter yourself," Shana shot back instantly, not missing a beat.
"In all seriousness, though, I'm really not cut out for public speaking," Sinon admitted softly, letting out a small sigh of relief. "I would've been looking for an escape route anyway, so this works out perfectly for me."
"I wouldn't have minded going on," Pitohui mused, a dangerous, playful glint in her eyes.
"Absolutely not. Letting you loose on a live broadcast gives me massive anxiety just thinking about it."
"Oh, come on! In a formal setting like that? Even I know how to behave myself."
"I don't trust you for a second. Especially with XeXeeD on the panel. The moment he says something that rubs you the wrong way, you'd completely fly off the handle."
"Well, I mean... I'd keep it within reasonable limits. Mostly."
"Your definition of 'reasonable' is entirely detached from reality, Pito."
Pitohui merely offered an exaggerated, theatrical shrug. "Well, as it happens, I actually have real-world work commitments that day anyway, so it was never an option."
"Then you could have just said that from the very beginning."
"Oh, stop being a killjoy. Where's the fun if I can't tease you a little, Shana?"
"You're unbelievable..."
Turning their attention to Musketeer X, Pitohui and Sinon each took one of her hands, looking incredibly solemn.
"Alright, X, the baton is officially passed to you," Sinon said.
"Show the world the true spirit of the Ten Wolves!" Pitohui cheered.
Musketeer X nodded rapidly, her expression completely serious.
"Look, Max is a reliable fighter, but I still have my reservations," Shana muttered, looking at her skeptically. "Are you actually going to be able to talk normally on camera?"
"Affirmative. No problem."
"See? That right there! That's exactly what I'm talking about! You can drop the military-robot persona and just speak like a regular person for the broadcast, you know?"
"But if I do that... my unique character trait will be compromised..."
"Let's save the 'unique character traits' for a different venue, alright?"
"Understood," X replied, her posture straightening. "If those are your terms, I shall execute this mission flawlessly."
"Great. That's what I like to hear."
Then, X leaned in slightly, her eyes tracking up to meet Shana's with a rare, intensely focused look.
"Therefore, Shana-sama... in order to properly prepare... I believe it would be highly beneficial if you could explain to me, in detail, how you would personally balance the dynamic between those two men, and your candid thoughts on them. Perhaps we could meet up in the real world to discuss this thoroughly...?"
"Oh, yeah, that's a good point. Having a solid grasp on how to handle their personalities will definitely help you navigate the discussion. Alright, let's find a spot to meet up after this."
"Understood. It is a necessary tactical briefing."
On the surface, Musketeer X remained completely stoic, her voice flat and professional. However, Pitohui and Sinon caught the subtle, lightning-fast victory pump she made with her fist when Shana looked away.
S-So that's how she plays it... Sinon thought, dumbfounded.
X... you terrifying, brilliant little creature... Pitohui grinned inwardly.
Realizing they had no legitimate grounds to intervene, the two girls could only watch in silent resignation as Shana and Musketeer X logged out together.
"Hey. Did I keep you waiting?"
"Not at all. Waiting for Hachiman-sama is always a pleasure."
"A pleasure? Come on, don't say embarrassing things like that..."
"But it's true," Kurisu said softly, a small, genuine smile gracing her lips. "Waiting for someone when you know for an absolute certainty that they will show up? It fills your heart with a wonderful sense of anticipation."
"Well... when you put it that way..."
"In the past, I used to just wait aimlessly, with no destination or guarantee. Compared to those days, the current Culus is incredibly happy."
"Is that so? Well... as long as you're happy, I guess that's all that matters."
With that, the two began walking side by side down the bustling street. While Hachiman certainly drew his fair share of glances from passing women, Kurisu was operating on an entirely different level—practically anchoring the gaze of every single guy they passed.
"Let's grab a table at that place over there."
"Lead the way!"
Kurisu agreed happily, and the two navigated into the café, finding a quiet booth. Hachiman gestured for Kurisu to slide into the bench first. As he went to take his own seat opposite her, he couldn't help but notice the lingering, intensely focused stares from the male patrons across the room. He took a quick, analytical glance at Kurisu's outfit.
Ah. Right...
A sudden realization clicked in Hachiman's mind. He reached into his bag, pulled out a compact travel blanket, and extended it across the table toward her.
"Max, put this over your lap."
"Oh, thank you," Kurisu blinked, looking down at the fabric. "But it's not really that cold in here?"
"That's not the issue. It's your... uh... look, your skirt is just way too short. I'm getting anxious just sitting here."
"Oh!"
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