[Skirt-Flipping Maniac has ended the stream. Viewers: 6 | Duration: 40 minutes | Points earned: 240]
Curly-haired Guy: That's it? It's over already? Isn't that a bit of a letdown? Where's the big, drawn-out showdown we were promised?
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: "Drawn-out showdown"?
Doujin Artist: Pfft, what a ridiculous way to put it. Do you even know what that phrase really means? Don't use big words if you don't understand them—it's just embarrassing.
Curly-haired Guy: Huh? Isn't that phrase used to describe a really intense, long fight?
Doujin Artist: I mean… in a way, yeah. But the kind of "fight" that phrase usually refers to is *very* different from what you had in mind. You get what I'm saying?
Curly-haired Guy: Ahem, never mind. Forget I said anything.
Amegakure Village's Angel: ?
Doujin Artist: Konan, even if you don't get it, I'm not explaining. If Anzen finds out, I'm done for.
This is an Actor: Just saying that already gave her the idea.
By now, Aizen had returned to the Naruto world and was going over what he'd gained from his trip to Academy City.
Helping Ruiko connect with Mugino was one thing, but more importantly, his "acting proficiency" had jumped from 64% to 70%.
That was a pleasant surprise. He hadn't expected the acting system to still work after taking over Ruiko's body in another world.
He also discovered that the Hōgyoku inside him had started analyzing the rules of the *Toaru* world on its own.
If this could be completed, Aizen would not only learn the structure of that world's power system through the Hōgyoku's feedback, but the Hōgyoku itself would also evolve to a new level.
The path to godhood was already within reach.
Feeling quite pleased, Aizen turned his attention back to the group chat.
Doujin Artist: Anzen! I didn't do anything! It was all Gin's fault! (emoji: terrified)
Curly-haired Guy: Shut up, I'm not taking the blame for this!
That crazy couple? Yeah, nobody wants to mess with them. For many, many reasons.
Shark-Faced Guy: I'm confused. Aizen clearly had the upper hand earlier—why stop now?
This is an Actor: What, you wanted to see Academy City turned into rubble?
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: Seriously. If Aizen and Aleister went all out, the city would be more shredded than a strawberry smoothie.
Shark-Faced Guy: Ah, I get it now. Makes sense.
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: Just imagining that scene is scary enough. Anyway, it's finally over—thanks, Anzen!
Back in her dorm room, Ruiko let out a long sigh. Tonight had been way too intense.
This is an Actor: Over? Oh no, this is just the beginning.
Doujin Artist: ?
Curly-haired Guy: ?
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: Huh? But didn't you guys make a deal?
This is an Actor: A deal only matters if you want to honor it. If not, it's just a piece of paper. Both Aleister and I know that perfectly well. It was just a way to buy time.
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: That means Ruiko's in danger, isn't she?
This is an Actor: Not really. Aleister won't touch Ruiko unless he's absolutely sure he can kill me. In fact, until then, he'll treat her really well because of the agreement.
Curly-haired Guy: Treated well, huh? Does that mean Ruiko's part of Academy City's top decision-making now? Damn, she's a total winner at life.
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: I just got some high-level permissions, that's all. Doesn't mean I'm really part of the top. And even those permissions are only for helping settle the Misaka Sisters.
Doujin Artist: So in the end, this is just Aleister pretending to compromise in order to trick the enemy? That guy is seriously shady!
Amegakure Village's Angel: Ari-chan, you just dragged Anzen-san into that insult too, you know.
Shark-Faced Guy: Aizen agreed to that deal for the same reason—to catch the enemy off guard. If he gets the chance, I'm sure he'd gladly stab Aleister in the heart.
Doujin Artist: That's different! Anzen-san is using strategy—it's called planning! Aleister's just a sneaky old man with a dirty heart!
Curly-haired Guy: Double standards much? That's totally a double standard! Just so you know, no matter how much you simp for Aizen, you're never gonna be the main wife. Give it up already.
Doujin Artist: Main... main your face!
Eriri's face suddenly turned red, her cheeks burning.
Curly-haired Guy: Tch, just a side chick. Pathetic as you are, you're only good for drinking the queen's foot-washing water.
Doujin Artist: You little—!
Amegakure Village's Angel: Don't worry, Ari-chan. We won't make you drink foot water. We've got plenty of clean water at home.
Doujin Artist: ??? Konan-neesan! You're actually treating me like a side chick now?! If I marry into your family, I swear I'll eat all your rice. Every last grain!
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: Pfft, hahaha! Ari-chan, so you're not just a side chick—you're a walking rice vacuum?
Doujin Artist: Shut up, Ruiko-chan! You're betraying me too?!
This is an Actor: Seeing Ruiko laugh that hard, I guess those two girls in your harem have already settled in?
Saten Ruiko froze. The smile on her face slowly vanished. "Whose fault do you think that is?!"
Doujin Artist: Hahaha, Ruiko's mental HP just got wiped! That's what you get for backstabbing me!
Curly-haired Guy: A Level 0 with two espers in his harem… That's Ruiko-sama for you.
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: Stop calling me that, it's so embarrassing!
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: Two's not enough. Next time you get a chance, go for the Fifth Ranked too. With your charm, Ruiko-sama, I'm sure you can do it.
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: Mouchou-neesan, not you too...
Ruiko felt like she just got hit with a critical blow. In her heart, Mouchou-neesan was always pure and sweet, like a kind, shy fairy—not like this at all!
Curly-haired Guy: Uh, too many might be dangerous, though? These girls are espers. If they get jealous, it might end in blood. Remember Makoto from School Days?
Doujin Artist: Ugh, you had to bring that up?! Can we just never talk about Makoto and that damn knife stuff again? That anime seriously scarred me for life, you jerk!
[System Message: Machete Girl has joined the group.]