Why did Hikigaya save the anime girls in Sword Story?

"That's right"

"S-Sorry for asking a weird question."

"After all, she's my only sister, so this kind of question doesn't really matter."

The moment the word "sister" came out of his mouth, Kazuto didn't notice the subtle change in Suguha's expression.

After hesitating for a moment, Suguha finally spoke the truth clearly:

"Brother, I actually know everything. We are not related by blood."

It was not until this moment that Kazuto realized that this was not only a problem between Kirito and Leafa, but also a reality that both Kiritani Kazuto and Kiritani Suguha had to face.

"Oh, did your parents tell you?"

"Well, actually, I've liked my older brother since I was a kid, but I've always suppressed this feeling by using the sibling relationship as a pretext.

When my parents saw how haggard my brother was after being trapped in SAO, they told me the truth. Since then, I have been thinking that maybe I can continue to like my brother.

"Later, my brother returned safely, and just when I was confused about how to face it, a person named Kirito appeared before me. It's natural that I was irresistibly attracted to Kirito, right? After all, you two are the same person."

"Suguha..."

"I should have only loved my brother, but I fell in love with Kirito. After knowing that my brother had feelings for Miss Liz, these feelings became even stronger. Maybe I was just trying to avoid it, so I got punished like this."

"no!"

Kazuto immediately denied Suguha's confession.

"Although it may not be appropriate for me to say this, liking someone is not a sin and does not require punishment!"

"Is it really?"

"Maybe I'm not qualified to say such things, but it's absolutely wrong for Suguha to blame herself."

"What does my brother like about Miss Liz?"

"do not know"

"Hey?"

"We just simply want to be together. It's probably what's called timing and compatibility."

“The timing and fit.”

"I also think this statement is strange, but I really can't find a better way to put it."

"puff"

Suguha suddenly laughed out loud, leaving Kazuto somewhat bewildered.

"what happened?"

"Nothing, it's just funny to see my brother, who has never understood love, trying so hard to explain it."

“I know I’m not good at this myself.”

"That's not what I meant. I just wanted to confirm once again that my brother is still my brother."

"What do you mean?"

"He always gives his all. Even after going through so many dangers in SAO, his nature has never changed. However..."

Suguha held her chin in her hand and added seriously:

"But brother has indeed matured a lot. I, who have always been watching you, know this best. Although your foundation has not changed, you have indeed grown into an adult."

"Although I don't quite understand, I feel relieved when you say that."

"Um"

"That's good"

Seeing Suguha smiling again, Kazuto finally breathed a sigh of relief. At this moment, Suguha said in a firm tone:

"Brother, I want to fight alongside you. I absolutely must rescue Miss Asuna and Miss Liz. However, after this is over, I want to personally assess whether Miss Liz is worthy of you."

"It's Liz who needs to prepare herself mentally, right?"

"From what my brother has described, I think she should be able to pass it easily. But I'm so unwilling to accept that, so I plan to tell Miss Liz this—"

Suguha suddenly changed to a playful tone:

"Since my brother and I are not related by blood, if you dare to let him down, I will snatch him away from you."

"Please show mercy"

"Hehe, let's work hard together, brother."

"Thank you, Suguha."

"No need to thank me. Maybe I'll end up having another excellent sister, which would be a good thing for me."

“That would be best.”

"You can't be so unconfident! You must say that it will definitely happen!"

"I know, it will definitely happen, so fight alongside me, Suguha!"

"Ok!"

The conversation ultimately ended peacefully. Although it was uncertain how their relationship would develop in the future, their figures sleeping side by side at this moment resembled those of children who, tired from playing, fell asleep in each other's arms.

At the end of this turbulent day, what awaits them will be the final decisive battle tomorrow.

ALO: Chapter 123: Asuna Rescue Mission Begins

That day, the players staying in Arne sensed an ominous aura and began to whisper to each other.

"Hey, did you see that? The fire elves' army is pouring into Arne."

"I see, I see. It seems General Eugene is here too. Could they be fighting nearby?"

"The Elf Lord and the Cat Demon Lord are having a secret meeting over there, and a large number of troops have been deployed around them. It seems like war is really about to break out."

"It's absolutely true! I saw the Absolute Tyrant walking through the streets yesterday!"

"It's not that I don't believe it, but this is too exaggerated. Wait, look over there! Isn't that Miss Mebius, the Water Elf Lord?"

"Even the water spirits are joining the war? I have no idea who's allied with whom, and who's hostile to whom."

"Ms. Mobius is my idol. Just looking at her heals me."

"I get it, I get it. Mobius is a goddess! But isn't it strange that so many armies of different races gather together without any signs of conflict?"

"Something's definitely wrong. Although fighting is prohibited in neutral cities, there's not even a minor friction. There's clearly something wrong."

Elsewhere, people were talking about a newly arrived team.

"I heard that Absolute Zero has finally abandoned its neutral stance and is supporting a certain faction."

"The version I heard was that they joined Spriggan's army."

"Huh? Really? I've never seen Absolute Zero and Spriggan together."

"It is said that he joined in his personal capacity, and his backer is that Absolute Tyrant."

"Is it time to escape from Arne? I can't stand being dragged into this."

"I heard there's no need to worry about that. Word has been passed down from above that there will be no war."

"What on earth happened last night?"

"It's probably because a mysterious leader suddenly appeared and instantly subdued all the major forces."

At this time, the mysterious leader was surrounded by four lords and Yukino, and looked embarrassed.

"What's going on with the atmosphere in this town?"

"It's normal, right? After all, the forces that were fighting yesterday gathered together today, but not even a friction occurred."

As Yukino finished speaking, Eugene nodded and added, "Even I can't believe it myself. The guy who was our enemy yesterday can now chat and laugh so happily."

"So, if it was yesterday, we would have started the search and destroy operation long ago, right?"

"It's truly astonishing how a single opportunity can lead to such a dramatic change in the environment."

"Seeing you three have such a good relationship, it's all thanks to Hachiman-kun!"

"No, Miss Mebius, this is mainly due to you."

"I'm Hachiman-kun's subordinate now, so please just call me Mobius."

"Ah, sorry."

Looking at the bewildered Hachiman, Yukino encouraged him, "It's normal for you to feel this way, but I was moved by your strong will this time. So be confident and command the five of you present."

"As for the orders, I'm the one asking for help."

"You are the commander-in-chief this time, cheer up!"

"Eugene...ok...sorry, I'm fine."

Hachiman took a deep breath and looked directly at the five people. Arisa asked first:

"Just to confirm, the goal this time is to complete the unimplemented major quest, right? If that's true, just exploring it in depth would be valuable, and we could even lodge a formal protest with the operator."

Hachiman looked at Yukino after hearing this, and after receiving a nod, he made up his mind and spoke:

"I have something important to tell you four."

The atmosphere suddenly became solemn.

"There is indeed a sequel."

"I knew it wasn't just to prove the big quest wasn't implemented."

"Does this mean you trust us? I'm kind of happy."

"I just need to follow Hachiman-kun!"

"Of course I don't need to say it."

"Sorry everyone, please keep what you hear next confidential. Let's start from..."

Hachiman begins to explain that he is a survivor of SAO and the real purpose of his trip.

"Unbelievable...but logical..."

"Do the police know about this?"

"Well, this is what Sorel said we need to deal with in the outside world."

“The situation is serious.”

"This is unforgivable as a player! No, it's unforgivable as a human being!"

"Our action will be the first step in exposing the crimes."

"Hachiman-kun and Kirito's significant other actually... I've never been this angry in my life."

"It's hard to imagine Mebius being angry."

"Ms. Yukino, I get angry at times like this too!"

"Yeah, sorry."

"Actually, I'm furious too. Human experimentation is absolutely unforgivable, and trampling on the ALO players' desire to take on major quests is even more unacceptable. I pledge my full support, both on behalf of the military and personally."

"The same goes for the Wind Elf Army."

"So do the cat demons!"

"So does the water spirit!"

"Although we are a small force, we will fully support you."

"I'm so sorry for making you pay for my willfulness... Thank you so much..."

Hachiman's eyes warmed as he listened to the five people's declarations. Everyone patted his shoulders and nodded, then began to discuss specific tactics.

"With Yukino's forces at the center, the Wind Elf forces on the right, and the Fire Elf forces on the left. The enemy will mainly come from above, and the Water Elfs will be responsible for providing support from the rear."

"Our Cat Demon Clan's ace dragon knight unit is responsible for air control."

"Alyssa, will the equipment arrive in time?"