In Tokyo, building the Holy Light Girls team

Before he could finish speaking, Sayuri interrupted him, saying:

“Actually, I’ve always known that since my father died, my mother has been supporting the family all by herself. Although she rarely voices her grievances, Sayuri knows very well that her mother has sacrificed so much for this family and for Sayuri…”

The girl gazed towards the sea, and in her gentle gaze, she seemed to see a mother shuttling between work and family so that her child could have a happy childhood. As she looked, her eyes involuntarily welled up with tears.

"...That's why I know Mom is really tired. As a normal woman, she needs security the most at times like this. And for Sayuri, the only man in this world who can provide such a strong sense of security is Natsuki-sensei—"

Listening to Sayuri's rather earnest words, Natsuki felt as if he had been praised, but he still sensed something was amiss. However, he remained silent and listened as the girl continued:

“…Sayuri understands perfectly well that in order to gain this sense of security, her mother entrusted her happiness to Natsuki-sensei. It was a result of her body, mind, and even fate controlling her. Sayuri can understand this feeling very well…”

"However, Sayuri also has the right to pursue happiness, especially since it is a rare thing in this world to meet a man she truly likes and who pursues her persistently!"

"I really can't imagine how painful it would be to never see Professor Natsuki again after graduation."

"???"

"so--"

Sayuri suddenly turned around again, looking at Natsuki, the cross mark in her eyes also flashing slightly.

"I've made up my mind. No matter which woman Natsuki-sensei falls for, and no matter if she's his mother or not, Sayuri will never be discouraged!"

"Sayuri, be brave and pursue your own happiness, and compete fairly with all the women who want to take Natsuki-sensei away!"

At this moment, the girl's words were so firm, and a ray of gentle moonlight fell from the sky, illuminating her face and highlighting her thoughts.

Besides the reasons mentioned above, today's experience has truly changed Sayuri's mind. The danger of being close to death has suddenly made her feel a sense of crisis. If she were to lose her right to pursue happiness because of this, it would undoubtedly be quite tragic!

Although Sayuri knew that Natsuki might have developed some kind of "improper" relationship with her mother, and that several teachers at the school also seemed to have ambiguous relationships with Natsuki, the girl always felt that it was something Natsuki was forced to accept. At least in Sayuri's eyes, Natsuki was not that kind of vulgar person!

Therefore, in order to save Natsuki from that "pain" and also to save her own happiness, Sayuri only wanted to become a sharp sword in the man's hand to cut off all possible "crises" for him, which led to the scene described above.

"..."

Looking at Sayuri's unwavering expression, Natsuki felt that he was increasingly unable to understand the girl's thoughts, especially "fair competition"—what the hell was that?!

He scratched his head in exasperation, intending to use all his knowledge to enlighten the girl, when suddenly she moved closer to him, her chest pressing against his in an instant. He could even feel that indescribably soft softness—

"Ms. Natsuki, in order to uphold the principle of 'fair competition,' Sayuri has decided that we'll do XX together tonight!"

"!!!"

……

Chapter 143 Protect Yourself!

"...Sayuri just wants to have the same treatment as her mother, so why can't she be allowed to?"

On the way back, Sayuri, carrying a large bag on her head, kept muttering to herself.

Seemingly remembering something, she rubbed her chest and muttered, "In terms of figure, Sayuri is just as good as Mom. Does Natsuki-sensei prefer someone more mature...?"

"..."

Sensing the murderous intent emanating from behind, Sayuri pretended to be nonchalant and looked up at the sky: "Ah, the moon is really beautiful tonight!"

Beside them, Shirashima and Rika, who had also finished their patrol, covered their mouths and chuckled: "Sayuri-san, are you sure you're not mistaken? There's no moon tonight!"

Sayuri crossed her arms, looking smug, and said, "You guys don't understand, do you? As long as you have the moon in your heart, the moon will exist. Didn't your teachers teach you this simple and easy-to-understand truth? Tsk tsk tsk, how pathetic..."

Shiroshima: "..."

Rika: "..."

The two exchanged a glance, seemingly both seeing the other's speechlessness. However, they were already used to Sayuri's "chuunibyou" remarks and didn't react much.

At this moment, Shiroshima looked at Natsuki and said, "Natsuki-sensei, Rika and I have an idea. Is the reason that those guys would ambush ghosts in this place because of our existence?"

Rika chimed in, "Yes, based on our examination of the scene, I found that they haven't been there for very long. Considering the clues about Nanako obtaining the [Sacred Relic], the Illuminati's purpose might be..."

She didn't finish speaking, but Xia Mu understood the meaning behind her words, and thoughtfully replied:

“I understand your thoughts. In fact, the memories of those we defeated in the past may have already made them aware of our presence, but for some reason, they have not taken action.”

Because the clues were so scarce, Natsuki was unable to deduce any more useful information. He was also quite puzzled as to why someone who appeared to be a member of the Illuminati would hand over the [Holy Relic] to Nanako; it was simply a baffling matter…

Xia Mu felt that there was some important clue that they had overlooked, but he couldn't recall it for a moment!

When he looked up, he found that the group had returned to the shop next to the beach, where a little girl was squatting by the door, idly using the tools in her hand to pile sand.

"Hey hey hey..."

Sayuri narrowed her eyes into crescent shapes and tiptoed up behind Nanako, preparing to "ambush" her. However, the girl suddenly stood up, and her head collided with Nanako's chest. The sudden impact caused both of them to cry out in pain. Sayuri even stumbled back a few steps and finally fell into Natsuki's arms.

"Ouch... Natsuki-sensei... please save me... Sayuri's... this place... has suffered a huge blow... if we don't do something... Sayuri might..."

"Yeah……"

The man's voice rang in her ears, bringing a soft, tingling sensation. As if sensing something, the girl's body turned slightly red due to her excitement, her cheeks flushed, and even the trembling of her chest became more pronounced.

"Yes, Natsuki-sensei... let's hurry together with Sayuri... towards happiness and XX's paradise—"

Before she could finish speaking, a strong hand suddenly grabbed her arm, and then her vision shifted, and the girl found herself flying through the air.

call out--

boom!

Watching the girl land in the second-floor window with near-perfect form, Xia Mu clapped his hands in satisfaction, then turned back to the girls and grinned, saying:

"Hehe, did you hear that? Sayuri just said she's sleepy and wants to go home to sleep early. As her teacher, it's only natural for me to care about my students' health, right?"

Shirashima and Rika nodded repeatedly, and after exchanging a glance, they said in unison, "Natsuki-sensei, we're sleepy too, and want to go back to sleep early. Shirashima (Rika) will go in first, goodnight!"

After saying that, without waiting for Natsuki's response, the two girls ran into the house as fast as they could. Only when the two of them were left alone did Natsuki look at Nanako and a warm smile bloom on his face.

"Alright, Nanako, I think the reason you haven't gone home to rest so late is because you want to chat with me, right?"

The girl touched the top of her head with both hands, staring blankly at Natsuki, as if she hadn't yet recovered from the collision with Sayuri. After a few breaths, she nodded: "Yes, big brother!"

……

The scene shifts, and the two are now several dozen meters away from the shop. Soft lights emanate from somewhere, and the sea breeze blowing in their ears brings a sense of tranquil comfort.

"Phew, what a beautiful day!"

Xia Mu said with emotion.

Beside him, the girl sat quietly on the sand, stroking her bracelet and murmuring to herself, "Big brother, why doesn't Mom let me fight those monsters like Sayuri and you guys?"

Hearing this, Xia Mu simply looked at the waves in front of him and said, "I want to know, what is your purpose in using the [Sacred Artifact]... well, the one in your hand?"

The girl thought for a moment, then replied seriously, "Of course, it's to protect Mom!"

For Nanako, Kato Yuri is the most important person in her life. The girl's thoughts are simple: if the world has become dangerous, then it is enough for her to have the power to protect her mother!

However, upon hearing this, Natsuki shook his head helplessly: "Unfortunately, Nanako, you answered incorrectly!"

Nanako tilted her head, a look of confusion flashing in her eyes, until Natsuki turned his head, and a faint cross of holy marks suddenly appeared in his gaze.

"If you have such thoughts, Miss Lily will probably never let you take risks easily. Rather than protecting her, Miss Lily would rather you protect yourself!"

"Protect...yourself..."

Nanako's pupils widened as if she had heard something unbelievable. Her mouth opened slightly, and scenes of her mother's past with her flashed through her mind. She felt important information flash by, but she could not grasp it.

It seems my words had an effect...

Xia Mu chuckled and didn't say anything more. He just looked at Nanako with a slightly strange expression. She was clearly just a little girl in her early teens, but her development was already at the level of a girl around fifteen years old in the academy!

Could it be that the genes in Mikiko and Yuri's families are prone to causing girls to mature early?

Xia Mu thought to himself, almost as if possessed.

……

Chapter 144 Celebration

Silent all night.

When Xia Mu woke up, it was already eight o'clock. Seeing the numbers on the clock, he couldn't help but complain, "Last night... did it really take this long...?"

After eliminating the giant squid swarm, Xia Mu naturally obtained a large number of soul crystals. After absorbing these soul crystals, the liquid in the cross necklace directly reached two-thirds of the mark!

Unlike before, this time the soul crystals Xia Mu absorbed did not grant him any new skills; instead, his physical abilities improved significantly!

A surge of even greater power coursed through his body, and he even had a feeling that even if he were surrounded by a hundred lions, he could probably walk out unharmed in the end.

Furthermore, in addition to physical strength, Xia Mu's ability to mobilize holy light has become increasingly powerful, which undoubtedly provides him with sufficient survival assurance!

However, because there were so many soul crystals, he spent at least two hours absorbing them after returning to his room last night, which is why he was so emotional this morning.

On the other hand, just as Xia Mu thought that the ghost attack yesterday would have some impact on the mother and daughter for at least a while.

However, the truth is that when he went downstairs, he heard bursts of laughter and cheerful voices.

Whoosh!

As I lifted the curtain on the staircase, several beautiful figures came into view.

They were dressed in various kimonos, and with their outstanding looks, the visual effect was stunning. Even Nanako wore a summer kimono, which made her look petite and full of playful cuteness.

"What are you doing—"

Upon hearing Natsuki's voice, Sayuri immediately turned around, then strode towards him. After circling around once, she asked him with great joy, "Natsuki-sensei, do you think Sayuri looks pretty today?"

The girl's kimono is adorned with fiery red clouds against a light-colored background. The contrasting colors create a unique aesthetic. Because it is summer, the kimono is styled for summer, revealing her fair skin, delicate blush, and exquisite features. It is truly remarkable.

After Sayuri walked over, Shirashima and Rika's ears twitched slightly, and they also walked towards Natsuki. The three styles of kimonos, combined with the youthful vibe of the girls, made Natsuki's eyes light up!

In particular, when Kato Yuri also came out of the room, her figure, like a ripe peach, could not be concealed by her kimono at all, and even subtly revealed her already voluptuous figure, making her look charming and alluring.

"Hehe, Teacher Xia Mu probably doesn't know why we're dressed like this, right?"

Kato Yuri spoke with a hint of playfulness, and it wasn't until she finished listening to her that Natsuki showed a look of realization.

"celebration?"

"That's right, big brother! Today's celebration is the most lively time of the year here!"

Nanako even started spinning around, her smiling face making it impossible to connect her with the person she was last night.

Kato Yuri chuckled and added, "That's right. As a town that has always relied on the sea for its livelihood, we have designated this day of the year as a special day. Everyone can freely participate in the festival while wearing beautiful kimonos. Oh, and if you have someone you like, today is also a good day to confess your feelings!"