Yuugi’s Strategy: Deal 1000 Damage, Take 800 in Return

"Aren't we inviting Lady Patchouli?"

"She's still asleep, and… it's not convenient for her to leave right now. Let her rest."

"Then I'll stay and take care of her!"

"Fine. If anything happens, just head back to the Scarlet Devil Mansion."

Seeing Koakuma's determined expression, Sakuya didn't argue further.

Meanwhile, Aya and Momiji finished packing and bid Rin farewell before heading out to deliver newspapers.

"Suika, you're not coming?"

"Nah, kids' outings aren't my thing. I'll hold down the fort here." Suika shook her head, stacking the picnic supplies by the door before plopping back behind the counter.

A kids' picnic meant no booze, hardly worth her time. Better to stay, sneak a few drinks with Yukari, and…

'Also, Yuugi's acting is weird. Gotta investigate while everyone's gone!'

"Alright. If anything comes up, just dump it on Yukari."

"Got it~"

With that settled, Rin scooped up Chen (who was batting at a ball of yarn) and called out—

"Move out! No stragglers!"

""YEEAAAHHH!!"" The miniature army charged out of the store, storming toward Misty Lake with unstoppable momentum.

Behind them, Marisa reached for Reimu's snack bag the second they stepped outside.

SMACK!

Reimu slapped her hand away, glaring.

"We just left. Hands off."

"C'mon, just one lollipop! I won't take more!" Marisa pleaded, her tongue still tingling unpleasantly from last night's… activities.

Need something sweet to cover the taste, or someone might notice!

Reimu squinted but finally dug through the bag.

"Orange, strawberry, pineapple, blueberry… Pick one."

"Strawberry!"

"Here."

Tossing the lollipop to Marisa, Reimu popped a blueberry one into her own mouth.

"Sakuya, want one?"

"No thanks."

Holding Flandre, Sakuya stared intently at Marisa's neck.

'Even with her collar partly hiding it, a few love bites peeked through—evidence of last night's war. So the boss ambushed from behind? No wonder Patchy freaked out when I turned her over… Now that they were all returning to the mansion, leaving Patchy in the den of wolves…'

'She's in grave danger. As for Koakuma staying behind? She's just a bonus.'

'Hope Patchy doesn't end up pregnant by the time we visit again.'

Sakuya prayed silently, though glancing at Flandre and Remilia (currently wrestling Rin), she felt a strange anticipation.

'If it happens… would the baby be this cute?'

Meanwhile, Marisa shivered under Sakuya's gaze.

'Why's she staring at me?! Does she know?! Did she see everything last night?!' Her mind raced, replaying the "battle" for loopholes.

We only cracked the door open a bit… Boss was hiding in the shadows… Even Patchy clinging to the door didn't notice… So how did Sakuya figure it out?!

'Was she hiding in the room the whole time?! But no—she'd checked every corner before getting caught. No witnesses.'

Marisa scratched her head, itching to ask Sakuya directly—but with Reimu around, she bit her tongue.

Back at the store, Yuugi, finally done erasing evidence cracked her door open, peeking out like a guilty raccoon.

'Coast is clear.'

Swaddled in layers (despite the summer heat), she tiptoed toward the bathroom, wincing with every step.

'Goddammit… How many rounds did we go last night?! Even my stamina's wrecked… How is the boss still functional?!'

"Yuugi?"

"GYAAH—WHO'S THERE?!" Yuugi jumped, clutching her clothes like a virgin in a horror movie.

Ran stood in the hallway, holding a laundry basket, utterly baffled.

"Why are you bundled up like a mummy?"

"Ahaha… Just preventing assassinations! Extra armor!"

"...???"

'Is she on drugs?' Before Ran could ask further, Yuugi bolted into the bathroom, slamming the door shut.

THUD!

Leaning against the door, Yuugi exhaled in relief, then hurled her clothes into the washer.

Stripping naked, she scrubbed furiously at the "battle scars", trying to erase all traces.

"WHY IS THERE SO MUCH?! TEETH MARKS?! DID HE EAT ME?!"

"Why won't these fade?! HISS—!!"

No matter how hard she scoured, some marks refused to vanish especially the handprint on her rear.

Matching her own palm size.

'WHAT THE HELL DID I DO LAST NIGHT?!' Yuugi slammed her head into the wall, her oni horn embedding into the tile.

'I wish I could go back in time and strangle my past self! Fighting's one thing, but hitting myself?! Was I roleplaying or something?!'

Her mind spun with horrors.

'What if the boss locks me in the guardroom and breaks out the equipment?!'

Meanwhile, a gap in the corner silently closed. 

Back in her rocking chair, Yukari touched her own lower back, cheeks flushing.

'How is the boss this terrifying even against oni…?'