Why did Hikigaya save the anime girls in Sword Story?

After the vow kiss, a marriage proposal popped up on the system interface. The moment the rings were exchanged, even more enthusiastic blessings echoed throughout the base.

That night, with Asuna's active encouragement, the two finally became husband and wife. Despite the ups and downs in the process, their true feelings for each other blended together, adding a touch of warmth to the world of SAO.

SAO: Chapter 64: Sweetness and Strategy

"Hey, in that case, how about temporarily halting the activities of the Blood Knights?"

Kirito said this as if it was a matter of course, and everyone else agreed.

"No, but in this situation..."

"What's wrong with that? We've already worked so hard before, at least we won't be punished for resting before the boss fight on the 75th floor."

"That's it!"

Hachiman was indeed happy to hear everyone's attitude, but he still hesitated in the end.

"But after all, it's not a good idea to break the contract so easily. After all, this was the condition that persuaded Heathcliff to duel in the first place."

"As expected..."

"If I use marriage as an excuse, maybe it would work..."

"How about making a contribution as an excuse?"

"Credit?"

Argo, who had been silent the entire time, suddenly spoke.

"Actually, while investigating Heathcliff, I stumbled upon some information. I was planning to tell only the person involved, Hachiman... but I'll reveal it here now."

Listening to Argo's mysterious speech, Hachiman was wondering what kind of information it might be, but after hearing the content, he was shocked and suddenly realized.

"Is Kradir a former member of the Laughing Coffin or someone related to it?"

"That's right. I happened to see that guy sneaking around meeting two men. After following them, I found that they mentioned the term 'Laughing Coffin' several times in their conversation."

"...That guy's crazy obsession with Asuna is definitely similar to the Laughing Coffin guys. I see..."

"Even though it's just a possibility, how about setting a trap to confirm it? Hachi is the best at this kind of trick, right?"

"Who do you think I am..."

Before Hachiman could finish his protest, the others had already murmured in agreement.

"There's absolutely no problem with what Hachiman-kun says."

"If it were Hachiman, he would definitely come up with a good plan."

"That's right, that's right."

"Even you guys... well... well. We can't just leave it alone anyway. It seems like a deliberate setup for a vacation... but let's set a trap for Kraldiel."

"As expected of Hachiman!"

"This is our Hachiman!"

With Hachiman's announcement, the celebration party ended. Everyone left, blessing the newlyweds, until only Hachiman and Asuna remained.

"Ah... Asuna, I'm so sorry for this sudden action. I'll be grateful for your guidance from now on."

"Really~ It scared me so much. But actually... I was mentally prepared a long time ago."

"Really?"

"After all, I've been keeping an eye on Hachiman-kun. Lately, your attitude towards me has been a little different than before, and I've noticed that."

"No way...it's so obvious?"

"Not really. Others probably haven't noticed it, I just vaguely feel..."

"I see. After all, I can't defeat Asuna."

The two of them sat on the sofa, cuddling with their eyes closed.

"Hey, Asuna, when did you start liking me?"

"I can't really tell. Maybe because we've always been together, I fell in love with you from the beginning without realizing it, or maybe there was some other opportunity... What about Hachiman-kun?"

"I'm similar. I've realized several times that I might like Asuna, but I've always used the excuse 'because we're just friends' to keep myself from thinking too much about it."

"That's it..."

"But it doesn't matter now. After all, we are... married."

"Yeah...it feels like a lot of steps were skipped."

After calming down, a sense of reality emerged, and the two suddenly became tense. Asuna was the first to break the silence:

"It's getting late. Do you want to eat something? Or take a shower? Or... go to bed?"

"Oh, oh, I'm not very hungry, but I can eat with you. Then I can take a shower... or go to bed..."

This sentence was like a landmine to the two young men. They remained silent, even more reserved than before. The bathroom was indeed large enough for two people to bathe together, and the bed was spacious enough. Finally, Hachiman mustered up the courage to speak:

"Oh right...we've bathed together before, why don't we wear our swimsuits today? It'll save time."

"Yeah, yeah! That's it!"

The seemingly compromise proposal was adopted, but the real problem lies ahead.

"So... sleep?"

"Ah."

"......Good night."

Hachiman was too embarrassed to ask about sleeping together, and just as he was about to walk to the bedroom alone, Asuna gently grabbed the corner of his clothes. Looking at his wife, whose face was flushed, Hachiman said firmly with a red face:

"Yes, yes, let's sleep together. We are already husband and wife."

"Ok!"

The two held hands and lay down on the bed. The warm touch was soothing and they hugged each other naturally.

"Is this happiness?"

“Well, I’m super happy now.”

"Me too."

Asuna hesitated for a long time before finally mustering up the courage:

"Um... Hachiman-kun, do you know how to do that kind of thing... in this world?"

"Who told you that, Asuna? Argo? Or that pink-haired girl?"

"Just now, Miss Argo taught me before she left..."

"That guy is really nosy..."

"Hachiman-kun doesn't want to?"

"How is that possible! I'm just a little shy..."

"I also......"

Looking at his blushing wife, Hachiman kissed her deeply. After a long kiss, they looked at each other and took off all their equipment.

　"I love you, Hachiman-kun."

"I love you too."

"If you hadn't grabbed my hand and taken me running... I would have died a long time ago."

“I really want to praise myself back then.”

"Well, my husband is really the gentlest."

Late at night in this fictional world, the two finally got together.

The next morning, when Hachiman woke up, Asuna was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast.

"Ah, good morning! I was just about to call you."

"morning."

Seeing his wife's smile, Hachiman once again resolved to protect this happiness. He had an important mission today, so he had to stay focused.

"Let's go to headquarters together after breakfast?"

"Yeah. I haven't come up with a good plan yet, but gathering intelligence at headquarters should give me some ideas."

After arriving at the headquarters, Hachiman, as a new member of the Blood Knights, was first introduced to everyone by Heathcliff.

"As everyone knows, after winning the duel yesterday, this Hachiman-kun will join us as Asuna's bodyguard and advisor."

The sudden promotion caused a stir. While there were some opponents, those familiar with Hachiman accepted it with open arms. Among the opposition, a combat unit commander named Godfrey insisted on testing Hachiman's abilities and proposed heading to the fifty-fifth floor labyrinth area.

"But you should be aware of Hachiman-kun's strength?"

"What actual combat troops need is combat power that can cooperate with the team. As a commander, you must ensure this."

Asuna frowned slightly when she heard the word "not useful".

(Asuna is angry)

Stopping his wife from moving forward, Hachiman spoke:

"Godfree is right. Although we have to go through the lower areas, can you keep up?"

"Of course!"

After the infuriated Godfrey discussed with others, he, Hachiman, and Kradiel decided to go together. After the meeting, Hachiman explained to Asuna:

"I propose that crystals be banned, so they can only use paralyzing poison. You follow in secret and contact Argo to lead Kirito and the others to capture the remnants of the Laughing Coffin."

"Understood! Best of luck, dear."

"Argo is currently tracking Kraldiel. Once we're ready, we'll take action tomorrow. Please, ma'am."

Later, Argo received a message: Kraldiel had indeed purchased the paralyzing poison. She concluded the message with, "I truly cannot be an enemy of Xiaoba." With that, the capture of Kraldiel was officially scheduled for the next day.

SAO: Chapter 65: The Honeymoon is about to begin

The next morning, the three of them gathered in front of the transfer gate on the 55th floor.

"Today, I am going to have a good time. I will not drink too much wine and leave three pieces of silk. Please give me your advice."

"I'm going to observe your performance carefully today."

"Until then... Mr. Hachiman, I'm really sorry for what happened before. I'm already reflecting on it."

Kradir was the first to bow his head and apologize to Hachiman. Godfree nodded repeatedly, but Hachiman had already seen through it all, it was just a show.

(He's trying to disarm me by showing weakness first. It's his usual tactic.)

"Such a serious apology really makes me feel uneasy. It would be great if we could resolve the past. I'm actually reflecting on this. I think my quick decision may have brought shame to you. I'm truly sorry."

(Such a line should be okay, right? It's a bit cliché, but it adds a provocative effect.)

Asuna, eavesdropping from the shadows, later commented that Hachiman's words at that moment were simply elegant provocations. True to her words, Kraldiel's body visibly twitched at these words, but he managed to maintain a smile.

"Now that we've reconciled, let's go."

"clear"

The three of them continued toward the labyrinth. Any small fry they encountered were quickly and impatiently dispatched by Hachiman. This was a gesture of defiance to Kradiel, demonstrating that direct confrontation was pointless, and that he should just use the paralysis poison. Finally, their opportunity arrived—at the labyrinth entrance, Godfree suggested a short rest.

"I have no objection, but I'm sorry, I seem to have taken out all the drinks when I took the crystal props just now."

Hearing Hachiman's words, Godfrey was about to speak when Kladir interrupted him:

"I have a spare here. Would you like one, Mr. Godfree?"

Godfree, who was about to take a drink from his inventory, stopped and took it from Kladil. Hachiman also took the drink and drank it at the same time as Godfree. Kladil watched the scene intently.

(Drinking paralysis poison must be unpleasant, right?)

The effect was immediate, and paralysis marks appeared above Hachiman and Godfree's heads, and they fell to the ground.

(Okay, let’s start the show)