Date A Live Encore - Volume 7 - Chapter 1

Tohka Food Fight

 “Uh… uh…uh ahhhhh!” 

 “Ahm… uhm…!” 

 Tohka and Mukuro intently stuck the sticks into their mouths before turning their gazes on each other. 

 There was a powerful heat lingering about despite the fact that it was a chilly winter day. 

 Regardless, both sides were so stuffed that they couldn’t speak. However, the fighting spirit gleaming in their eyes expressed more than mere words could ever hope to convey. 

 “Not bad, Mukuro!” 

 “Muku shall never yield!” 

 This was the conversation between God and man that couldn’t hope to be interpreted by the five senses on their own. 

 A battlefield; a feast; a deathmatch. 

 In the eyes of the onlookers, it was a strange scene to behold. 

◇◇◇

 “Well…” 

 One winter day, Yatogami Tohka sat in the Itsuka household as she squeezed an orange that she held in her palm while sitting at a warm table alone while groaning softly. 

 She is a girl characterized by long dark hair like the night sky and dreamy crystal eyes. Right now however, her beautiful expression was sorrowful and confused. 

 “Muu… but still…” 

 “Hey, Tohka?” 

 “What are you doing?” 

 Just as Tohka was about to toss the orange still in her hand into her mouth, a faint voice came from behind her. Tohka looked up at the sound and spotted two people that emerged into the room. One is a teenager with neutral average features while the other was a petite redheaded girl with her hair tied in long pigtails. These are the residents of this family: Itsuka Shido and Itsuka Kotori. 

 “Oh! I’m bothering you, Shido! Kotori!” 

 Tohka apologized. 

 “Uh… that’s not the problem right now.” 

 Shido said while pointing at Tohka’s hand. 

 “Eh?…Oh!” 

 Tohka followed Shido’s gaze and spotted the oranges. This was no surprise, after all, Tohka was about to eat the oranges with the skin still on them. 

 “Sorry, thanks for reminding me, Shido.” 

 Tohka said gratefully, “I was about to make a stupid mistake.” 

 “What! That’s it?…I thought that you couldn’t stand the hunger anymore and decided to eat the orange with the skin still on…” 

 “Muu…?” 

 “No… it’s nothing…” 

 As he and Kotori exchanged meaningful looks, Shido put on a bitter smile. 

 “Are you upset about something? If you don’t mind, you can always talk with us if you need help.” 

 “Oh, really?” 

 Tohka asked eagerly. Her eyes sparkled brilliantly. This time, Kotori nodded as well. 

 “Of course,” Kotori nodded, “Taking care of the Spirits is an important job as part of <Ratatoskr>… and I also consider Tohka my friend as well…” 

 Kotori admitted, a little embarrassed. As a result, Tohka’s eyes went wide as she let out a surprised “Oh!” 

 “Is this the one? Is this the so-called tsundere?!” 

 “What, did you just show a proud attitude just now?” Kotori demanded. 

 “So where did you learn that word, Tohka?” 

 Shido asked suspiciously. 

 “Nia told me about them.” 

 Tokha said proudly. 

 “That woman…” 

 Shido sighed as he smiled bitterly. 

 After waiting for Tohka to finish speaking, Kotori showed a sullen expression on her face before sighing and looking back at Tohka. 

 “Forget about that. What are you so worried about?” 

 “Actually, I’m worried about Mukuro.” 

 “Mukuro?” 

 Shido tilted his head and asked. Tohka nodded as she said yes. 

 Mukuro Hoshimiya was a girl who lived in an apartment next door to the Itsuka household like Tohka and the other Spirits. Her powers were sealed by Shido just a few days ago. 

 “Well… I’ve had this feeling that she hates me. It’s as if she’s deliberately avoiding me,” Tohka murmured sadly. 

 “Deliberately avoiding you? Did something happen between you two specifically?” 

 “Well, yesterday, Yoshino, Yoshinon, Natsumi, and Mukuro were chatting in the apartment lobby. I also walked over and wanted to join them but when Mukuro saw my face, she quickly turned and left.” 

 “Hmmm…” 

 “So it’s like that…” 

 Shido and Kotori put their hands on their chins and let out a gentle sigh. 

 Tohka sighed and said: 

 “Among other things, Mukuro was playing video games with Kaguya and Yuzuru. When I walked by, she was having fun but then she noticed me and immediately left.” 

 “Hmm…” 

 “Also, did you know that there’s a custom in Tengu City for girls to rub each other’s chests when they are happy? Miku introduced it to Mukuro today.” 

 “Wait a second! I feel like this matter is much more pressing than the situation with Mukuro!” 

 There was sweat on Kotori’s cheeks as she muttered, “I can’t stand Miku.” 

 After clearing his throat and recovering his spirit, Shido continued: 

 “Anyway, it really sounds like Mukuro is avoiding Tohka.” 

 “Well, that’s right. However, I have no idea why she’s avoiding me. Did I do something to offend her unknowingly?” 

 “Ah… um…” 

 “Muu, that’s right.” 

 Tohka finished her expression with confusion while Shido and Kotori folded their arms and frowned deeply. Rather than saying that they weren’t taking Tohka’s problem seriously, it’s more accurate to say that they couldn’t come up with a way to explain it carefully. 

 “Uhhhhhh… you mean you don’t remember…?” 

 “All Mukuro knows about you is your inverse form, Tohka. Given that experience, it makes sense that she doesn’t want to face you…” 

 “Inverse?” asked Tohka, expressing her doubts. 

 “Oh, no, everything is fine now.” Kotori waved a hand dismissively to deny the matter. 

 “In short, Mukuro misunderstood you. As long as you get a chance to talk to her as you are now, surely you two will be able to get along well.” 

 “Really?” 

 “Yeah. Now that I think about it, tomorrow is a holiday, so why don’t you and Mukuro go shopping together? Let me ask her if she can tag along with you.” 

 After discussing the matter with Kotori, Shido looked a little disturbed. 

 “Is it really okay for them to go by themselves? I’m not too worried about Tohka but Mukuro might be a little unstable since she was just sealed. Wouldn’t it be better if I go along with them?” 

 Shido asked Kotori uncertainly. 

 “If you’re there, Mukuro’s Spirit powers will definitely be more stable,” Kotori agreed, “But then she’ll only talk to you, and Tohka won’t be able to achieve her goal of improving the relationship between her and Mukuro. Don’t worry about it though. <Ratatoskr> will monitor them.” 

 “Hmm… you’re right,” said Shido finally, “Tohka, do you want to try this?” 

 “Oh! I want to try!” 

 Tohka replied enthusiastically after listening to Shido and Kotori’s suggestion, her eyes glowing brilliantly with excitement. 

 Perhaps it was the expectation that she and Mukuro would be able to get along and the excitement brought upon by a heavy responsibility of introducing the city to the new Spirit, Tohka couldn’t help but lean out her body as she pulled her feet out of the warm table and with a single fluid movement, stood up. 

 “I have to hurry! I can’t stand waiting anymore!” 

 “Oh? Where are you going?” 

 “Back to my room! I have to show Mukuro all the great places in this town! I need to hurry and plan the shopping route for tomorrow!” After Tohka shook her hands vigorously, she rushed out of the Itsuka residence to return to her own room. 

◇◇◇

 “Oh! Mukuro! I have much to show you today! Please take good care of me today!” 

 The next day, Tohka waited neatly and patiently at the door of the apartment complex and Mukuro followed Kotori down the path, dragging her feet up and down. 

 The girl braided her long blonde hair into three braids while wrapping them around her shoulders. Her golden eyes were gloomy as she looked at Tohka with watchful eyes. 

 “Nushi-sama, is it really okay for Muku to go with her? That woman won’t suddenly bite Muku, will she?” Mukuro whispered softly in Shido’s ear. Shido could only shrug and smile weakly in response. 

 “She’s not a dog… and didn’t we explain it yesterday? The Tohka you met before was just one version of her. It’s not her real self. Do you think you can face her now?” 

 “Mun…” 

 Mukuro showed an understanding but conflicted expression, then nodded, promised, and moved from her place behind Shido. 

 “…Tohka, although Muku has no desire to die, Muku shall reluctantly accept Nushi-sama’s words and accompany you today. You should be grateful.” 

 “Oh! Thank you very much!” 

 Tohka raised Mukuro’s hand and uttered those words openly. Mukuro’s eyes widened at the unexpected reply and she glanced down at the path before them. 

 “Right?” 

 “…Okay.” 

 Mukuro shook off Tohka’s hand with a displeased expression. 

 “Don’t waste your time here, leave quickly!” 

 “Okay! Shido! Kotori! Let’s go!” 

 “Be careful on the road and make sure to come back before dinner!” Shido and Kotori watched the two as they headed out. 

 “Okay!” Tohka responded with hundred-fold spirit to the word ‘dinner’ as Kotori said it. 

 “Also, what are we having for dinner today, Shido?” Tohka asked. 

 “Um, today, I have fine beef at home. I wanted to make roast beef… but the oven isn’t working properly so I may have to change to another dish,” said Shido as he glanced at Kotori. “I told Kotori it was time to buy a new type of microwave baking oven.” 

 “Huh? Why not just take the one we have for repair?” 

 “I told you, there’s a new oven that’s much better than the one we have now, it’s called a microwave baking oven that makes beef very soft when roasted,” said Shido earnestly. 

 “Fine. Fine. I’ll listen to what you have to say later. Anyway, Tohka, Mukuro, be careful on the road, got it?” Kotori finished and waved to the two Spirits. Shido continued to plead with her but she seemed to ignore his words as she waved them off. 

 “Umu, let’s go, Mukuro!” 

 “…Okay…” Mukuro replied reluctantly as Tohka grabbed her hand and marched forward proudly. 

 As they walked, Tohka hummed a song softly while they walked through the residential area toward the main road. 

 Soon after, Mukuro’s voice came from behind her: “Tohka, where are we going?” 

 “Oh! I haven’t told you yet!” 

 Her eyes widened in realization. She turned her head to look at Mukuro while her hand rummaged through the small bag slung on her shoulder and took out a notepad. This was the greatest shopping manual of Tengu City, which Tohka compiled the previous evening in her room. At that moment, Tohka looked like a police officer or a detective as she opened the notepad before turning to the plans written within with a smile. 

 “First──Burger steak,” she decided after a moment’s deliberation. 

 “Mun?” 

 Mukuro listened to what Tohka had said and tilted her head in wonder. 

 “Oh, sorry! This is a charcoal grilled giant hamburger called [Kanonmaru] on this road,” Tohka explained. 

 “No, Muku is not asking for details,” she shook her head and then asked, “Is this for lunch? It feels too early…” 

 “Is that so? Should I change places?” Tohka asked. 

 “…No, Muku shall entrust this to you. Just guide Muku.” 

 “Then it’s decided! Let’s go!” 

 Tohka said spiritedly as she led Mukuro to the hamburger specialty store down the road. 

 The store featured a chalet-style atmosphere and at the front of the store was a large chalkboard with “Today’s Recommended Menu” written in large handwriting. After Tohka pushed the large wooden door open, a loud and powerful voice sounded from close to the counter. 

 “Welcome! Oh! Tohka! I see you brought a friend with you today!” 

 The man at the counter had a barrel-like body with hands and feet as thick as logs, the burly shopkeeper smiled heartily at the pair. 

 “Okay! Manager, I want to order the usual, please!” 

 “Got it. Does your friend want the same thing as you, Tohka?” The manager asked Mukuro. Mukuro seemed startled, but then quickly nodded and said yes. 

 “Understood. I’ll take care of your order right away so feel free to take a seat where you want and wait.” 

 “Sorry to trouble you! Mukuro, let’s go this way.” 

 “M-Mun…” Mukuro replied as Tohka guided her to their seats within the shop. 

 “Huh?” 

 Mukuro sat down at the four person booth, carefully looking around at the store before her gaze drifted to Tohka who was seated right across from her. 

 ──To be perfectly honest, Mukuro cared very little for the girl named Tohka who sat across from her. As far as she was concerned, she felt justified in her feelings. When Shido took her out on a date a short while ago, this girl suddenly broke in and attacked them mercilessly. She forced Shido to lie on the ground while she sat on him. It was hardly a surprise that Mukuro didn’t trust or even like Tohka. 

 “…” 

 All of that being said, it was almost impossible to believe that the girl in front of her was the same as the Spirit she’d met in the past. No, while her looks were the same as before, her manners and gentle expressions──especially the way that she was genuinely happy from the bottom of her heart as she waited for the hamburger to be delivered to them. It was very different from the cold Spirit Mukuro remembered. 

 Hadn’t Kotori told her that she’d only met one side of Tohka the last time they met… Although it wasn’t clear, perhaps it was a double personality? For now, at least, she didn’t seem to have any malicious intentions, much less bitterness. Kotori might be right. If so, then maybe Mukuro could try to get along with her… 

 “Sorry to keep you waiting! The same order for two!” 

 While Mukuro was thinking about this kind of thing, the manager appeared out of nowhere and placed the sizzling iron plate in front of the two of them. The burger steak on the iron plate was about the size of a six year old’s face. 

 “…Hueh?” 

 Seeing the meat suddenly appear before them, Mukuro couldn’t help but be shocked at its sudden appearance. It clearly smelled delicious. The crackling oil and seductive smell only served to make their mouths water in anticipation. It was just that great and very large as well. 

 At least, it certainly was a size too big for girls like Tohka or Mukuro to handle. Perhaps the manager mistakenly gave them someone else’s order. However, at the moment Mukuro was about to point this out, Tohka, who was sitting across from her, clapped her hands together firmly. 

 “Oh, here it is! Here it is! Come on, Mukuro! You have to try this! I guarantee that it will be delicious!” 

 “M-Mun…” While Mukuro was confused, Tohka said vigorously: “I’m going to start!” and without a shred of hesitation, she began to eat the huge hamburger steak. 

 “Umu! Really delicious! Manager! Your craftsmanship is just as good as ever! I would compare it to the hamburger made by Shido!” 

 “Haha! Tohka, are you complimenting me like that?” 

 The shopkeeper chuckled while smiling a little bitterly. 

 “What are you talking about?” asked Tohka, confused. “That is supreme praise!” 

 The manager heard Tohka’s words and smiled bitterly. 

 At that moment, Mukuro had yet to move her knife or fork to try the hamburger steak. Tohka tilted her head with a look of doubt on her face. 

 “Muu? Mukuro, why don’t you eat?” 

 “No… Muku wants to enjoy…” Mukuro cut the burger into a smaller piece before sticking it in her mouth despite her previous confusion. The stewed rich honey sauce and gravy spread out in her mouth. Tohka was right: this burger was really delicious. 

 “Hmm… it’s so delicious…” 

 Mukuro admitted quietly. 

 “Right?” 

 After Mukuro muttered in a low whisper, Tohka burst into a bright smile. Mukuro suspected that she was happy that the store she recommended was being recognized. 

 Seeing her expression, Mukuro’s attitude softened a little. When she first saw the hamburger, Mukuro thought it was just Tohka looking forward to eating it but it turned out that she just wanted to introduce one of her favorite shops to her. 

 Upon realizing this, Mukuro looked away from Tohka in embarrassment while continuing to enjoy the hamburger steak. 

 ──After about half an hour. 

 “…Hooh…” 

 Although it took a while, Mukuro finally managed to finish the Charcoal Grilled Hamburger steak. She rubbed her round belly and exhaled in satisfaction. 

 “Yes, it’s delicious and satisfying.” 

 “Umu!” 

 After Mukuro spoke, Tohka let out an excited cheer. 

 Incidentally, Tohka had already swept the iron plate where the burger steak sat out of the way and added diced steak, fried shrimp, and potato cakes. Even so, her expression seemed to remain the same: she was just as happy now as she was with the hamburger steak…How was her slender figure able to handle such a large amount of food? The human body─correction, the Spirits─are really mysterious. 

 “Alright! Let’s go to the next shop! There are so many good places in this town!” 

 “Mun… really? Where are we going next?” Mukuro asked while thinking to herself: she’d eaten a little too much so she would prefer to avoid places with intense exercise. It would probably be best to go to some shops or a department store, buy some things, and take a break in a scenic place. 

 As Mukuro reflected, Tohka pulled out her notepad and after consulting it for a couple seconds, she put it back and nodded. 

 “Next—let’s go eat some Tonkatsu.” 

 “Mun?” 

 This unexpected remark from Tohka caught Mukuro by surprise. 

 “Well…wow…” 

 After about 3 hours, Mukuro was following Tohka as they walked down the road while she exhaled painfully. This was no wonder. After they left the hamburger steak shop and took her to the Tonkatsu shop, she then took Mukuro to a rotary sushi shop, an Italian restaurant, and finally a donut shop. Mukuro, who’d be forced to tag along with her, felt that her belly was fit to burst at any second. 

 Tohka, on the other hand, despite having eaten six times as much food as Mukuro had, was still full of energy──if anything, after eating all of that food, her state seems to be better than before. Looking at Tohka’s domineering back, Mukuro suddenly had the illusion of a sound of warming and that she was always ready to go. 

 “Can we slow down, Tohka?” 

 “Muu? What’s wrong, Mukuro? Did you not have enough to eat?” 

 “No, it’s not that.” Mukuro shook her head. “Muku wants to be able to go to other places… besides restaurants.” 

 “Oh, I see!” said Tohka as she spread her palms before consulting her notepad once more, sliding her fingers across the paper. 

 “What about the aquarium or the movie theater that Shido took me to?” 

 Tohka suggested after a moment of thought. 

 “O-Oh… that sounds nice,” Mukuro replied. 

 It seemed that Tohka’s notepad had information about things aside from restaurants as well. Mukuro sighed in relief to catch her breath and grant herself a peace of mind. 

 “Plus, the fish biscuits sold at the aquarium and the popcorn I ate while watching a movie are especially delicious!” 

 “…” Faced with Tohka’s brilliant smile, Mukuro could only remain silent. 

 …At least it was better than being taken to another restaurant. Mukuro didn’t bother to protest and nodded quietly in agreement. 

 “Well then, let’s go to the aquarium and the cinema,” Mukuro suggested. 

 “Yeah!” Tohka nodded energetically, keeping pace with Mukuro. However── 

 “Mun?” When they came to the main road, Mukuro stopped. Rather, it was better to say that Tohka who was walking in front of Mukuro stopped suddenly, causing Mukuro to hit her back. 

 “Tohka, why did you stop so suddenly──,” Mukuro complained. Having said that, Mukuro stopped herself as well, quickly understanding the reason. 

 “What—” Mukuro only had to glance at the road, eyes widened. Unfortunately, the road itself was being taken for granted on the main road in Tengu City where several men gathered, full of… personality. 

 “Hehehe… I can’t wait…” 

 “Come on, bring out today’s offering!” 

 “Yeah!” 

 These were all muscular men with buffalo horns; obese men with punk-like expressions and so on. All of them were wearing leather clothing with rivets attached all over their bodies. 

 “Yes, there is a strong sense of doomsday warriors.” Yeah! Yeah!” 

 “What’s wrong with these people?” 

 With sweat dripping from his cheeks and after raising his eyebrows, he spotted Tohka and Mukuro. At the sight of them, his eyes widened as though he’d discovered something important. 

 “…! You are?!” 

 “How could this happen?” 

 “My brothers, look! It’s the <Queen>! The <Queen> of Tengu City is here!” 

 “What did you say!” 

 As soon as the punk man made the declaration, the other men reacted as they spotted Tohka and Mukuro and began to encircle them. 

 “Hahahaha! <Queen>! You’ve appeared out of the blue!” 

 “I have been waiting for this day for many years and today I must spit out the years of resentment that has been building up inside of me! My cheek, which has been hurt by you, is still in pain…” 

 Some of the men were talking, others were banging their knuckles, and still others were licking their knives. 

 “<Queen>…?” Hearing the other person’s description of Tohka, Mukuro tilted her head before turning her gaze to Tohka. However, it was plainly obvious that Tohka looked just as confused as Mukuro felt. She showed an expression that made it clear that she didn’t have a clue what the men were talking about either. 

 “<Queen>? Are you talking about me?” Tohka asked, “What the hell is that?” 

 “The <Queen> who has conquered all of the Big Steak menus in Tengu City is none other than Yatogami Tohka! This name is among the big stomach king fighters in this area but it seems that no one knows about her!” 

 “Big stomach king fighter…?” 

 Hearing these strange words, Mukuro turned her head once more to express her doubts. Before she could, one of the men wearing horns raised his arms while raising the corners of his mouth in a fearless smile. 

 “That’s right! It refers to the original desire of humanity. It is also the original sin [appetite] or the warrior who challenges the limits of [quantity]!” 

 “…Surprisingly, Muku gets it: whoever eats the most in this competition is the winner?” 

 “Gahaha! That’s it!” The man laughed arrogantly while Mukuro tilted her head while pointing at the laughing man’s clothing. 

 “The truth is clear. But what’s the matter of waiting in that type of dress? It has nothing to do with eating?” 

 “Gahaha! What stupid thing are you talking about, no matter what! We are big stomach soldiers! Since they are called soldiers, of course they have to wear battle costumes when they go to the battlefield!” said the man confidently. Mukuro could feel sweat dripping down her cheeks. 

 “I-Is that so? Muku thought that the horns would prevent eating.” 

 “Well, if you are too weak. Even if you are also a big stomach king warrior, each has its own type. Uncle Ben who is good at eating steaks at the same time (the supreme piece of meat) Ushiyama shows his identity in this form!” 

 “So what about the fat man rolling around?” Mukuro pointed him out. 

 “That guy is Katsuda, who drinks oil like a beverage and loves pork cutlets.” 

 “What about the cockscomb man?” 

 “He is <Greedy ghost> Furano. No one can beat the speed of eating fried chicken fast like he can.” 

 “…something like this…” Mukuro scratched her cheek. Although she seemed to understand the infection in the atmosphere, she still didn’t understand what was going on. “Never mind, so why are these big stomach king fighters gathered here?” 

 “Hmm… does it need to be said? Look there!” Ushiyama raised his hand and slammed it into the horn of the helmet he was wearing. 

 Although the scene was confusing to both Tohka and Mukuro, they still looked in the direction Ushiyama pointed. Their eyes widened. 

 The reason being that there was a large stage set up in the middle of the avenue with the words “Tengu City Food Fight!” clearly written on a banner strung up across the stage. 

 “As you can see,” Ushimaya went on, “if there was ever an activity that could gather so many fighters, this is it! It will be decided here today! To decide who is the first big stomach king warrior in Tengu City!” He rounded on Tohka: 

 “Hey! Stop trying to play pretend, <Queen>. A big stomach king warrior like you, wouldn’t you want to say that you happened to get into this place?” 

 “Uh, it just so happens…” Even though Tohka spoke with a puzzled expression. Her words seemed to have gone in one ear and out the other for these men whose fighting spirits only intensified in Tohka’s presence. 

 “I won’t forget! I finished the “KARLY” Big Steak curry two months ago, setting the fastest record. However, you who appeared after I did manage to clear TWO “KARLY” Big Steak curries in the same amount of time, which broke my record. My record was replaced within five minutes at the store!” 

 “I ended up eating too much Everest Spaghetti in order to fight against you when you sat next to me. I ended up walking unsteadily on the way home and hurt my cheek!” 

 “It feels like they are very angry.” The men ignored Mukuro’s words. 

 That said, Tohka had no no plans of dealing with them while holding Mukuro’s hand while avoiding the mens’ gaze. 

 “Sorry, I’m currently shopping with Mukuro right now and I have no business with you today,” said Tohka as she moved to leave the area. 

 However, the group of men were nothing if not persistent and consolidated their siege and blocked Tohka’s path. 

 “Oh, that won’t work.” 

 “How could I possibly miss this chance to free myself of this shame?” 

 “Is it really okay to be the <Queen> and run away from the enemy?” 

 “Well…” Tohka looked sad. As a Spirit, it would only take two or three attacks to take the men down. However, the existence of the Spirits was supposed to be a secret so it wasn’t a good idea to cause a commotion on the road where ordinary people come and go. 

 “Don’t be so vigilant, <Queen>. We won’t try to force you if you are dead set against it.” 

 “Besides, this proposal isn’t bad. After all, the winner can get 100,000 yen worth of luxurious meal coupons and the latest type of microwave baking stone oven. It is important that the contestants can fill their stomachs both inside and outside. Anyway, these two prizes are going to be mine.” The men showed ambitious eyes and smiled. It was clear that the onlookers favored them to be the winners. 

 “Muu… A microwave baking stone oven…?” At that moment, Tohka seemed to remember it as she put a hand to her chin in thought. 

 “Tohka, what happened?” she blinked at the sound of Mukuro’s voice. 

 “No, it’s just that I remembered that Shido said that the old oven was acting weird and that he wanted to get a new one.” 

 “Oh, to listen to you say these kinds of things…” After Mukuro answered, Tohka murmured something to herself and made a contemplative action. She then faced Mukuro. 

 “Sorry, Mukuro, can I borrow some of your time?” 

 “Huh…? Anyway, could it be you…” After Mukuro began to speak, Tohka nodded forcefully. 

 “Okay, it seems like it will be very difficult for me to leave from here without causing a commotion. If I win, I get to take the microwave baking stone oven and go back home. I think it would make Shido very happy.” Tohka smiled slightly as her cheeks glowed red. 

 “Okay,” Mukuro put a hand on her chest to suppress her racing heart. She understood full well that there was no need to monopolize Shido anymore. But what was happening to her right now? There was a stab of irritation in her chest that Mukuro didn’t understand. 

 “Alas Tohka, do you think Nushi-sama would like that?” Mukuro asked. 

 “Muu? Are you talking about Shido? Of course I like him the most! That’s why I want to see him happy!” 

 “…Mun…” 

 As Tohka spoke with a broad smile across her face, Mukuro saw her expression and heard her words but still felt that same pain in her chest. The reason was simple. It was because she imagined Shido’s joy when he received that gift from Tohka. 

 The feeling of being upset gradually strengthened inside Mukuro’s being. There was no need to ask questions. She already knew that Tohka liked Shido a lot. It was just like Tohka said, Shido would be very happy and Mukuro would be able to see his happy expression. Just— 

 “…!” 

 Just then— 

 Mukuro frowned at the slightly strange feeling surging through her. She felt her body grow warmer and the heat seemed to gather in her heart at the center of her chest. 

 “This is…” Mukuro slowly opened her hand and set her sights on her palm while holding her breath quietly. 

 “—Tohka!” When the time passed, Mukuro cried out. Tohka, who was following the men toward the stage, stopped and turned her head in wonder. 

 “What’s wrong, Mukuro?” 

 “You must allow Muku… to participate in this contest!” After Mukuro said that, Tohka and the mens’ eyes widened in surprise. 

◇◇◇

 “The [Tengu City Food Fight] is finally about to start! The hungry big stomach king warriors are making their way onto the stage, and looking forward to the start of the gong sound!” The host’s loud voice rang out through the loudspeaker as Tohka listened to the host on a specific set stage. 

 On the stage, there is a whole row of big-sized men, and now you can see many audiences who don’t know when to gather. Beside her was Mukuro whose expression showed a strong determination. 

 That’s right, Mukuro decided to join the competition and the registration was officially completed. 

 “Well, it’s really surprising to see you participate. Mukuro, are you sure that you can keep going?” Mukuro had eaten more than her fair share of food during their shared excursion. 

 “M-Mun… that’s true…” Mukuro admitted as she glanced uncertainly at Tohka. 

 “…?” 

 The atmosphere seemed strange. Tohka felt something was wrong, but when she was about to ask, the loudspeaker took the lead and re-sounded the host’s voice. 

 “The rules of the game are simple! The player who eats the most hotdog castles within the specified time limit is the winner! That’s it!” 

 “Well, does everyone have a hot dog castle on their tables? No, no, don’t start eating yet.” 

 “──So, I hereby announce… let the games begin!” 

 “OH!” 

 Everyone let out a loud cheer as, under the command of the host, the big stomach fighters on the stage began to eat the hot dogs from the castle on their tables all at the same time. 

 Tohka folded her hands and said, “I’m moving” before grabbing a hot dog castle in front of her and biting down on it. 

 “Ahhh… ohhh… this tastes so good!” 

 She could feel the toasted bread and crispy sausage went straight into her mouth. Even though it was mass produced for a contest, the taste is definitely not bad. 

 Even though this was a fast-eating contest, at the end of the day, it was still eating. Tohka enjoyed the taste and aroma of the hot dog castle, chews and swallows in one breath. 

 Among the big stomach king fighters, some people tried to increase their speed by eating the sausage first and then soaking the bread with water, but that can no longer be called a hot dog castle, but a bread with sausage soaked with water. Maybe it can be finished quickly, but Tohka doesn’t like this way very much. 

 The players are fierce, eating hot dog castles one by one! ── Oops! Soon, someone seems to be eliminated! Specifically, some players with corners on their helmets interfered with the players on both sides and were disqualified! Katsuda’s throat was choked by dry bread without oil and eliminated! It was here that Furano remembered that he doesn’t like meat other than chicken! 

 As the competition progressed, more and more participants were eliminated as they were named on the loudspeaker. Tohka thought that it was a shame to not like meat other than chicken as she reached out for another hot dog castle. 

 So── 

 “Oh! What do we have here! At this time, some players are about to start the second set! It’s the last minute contestant: Mukuro Hoshimiya!” 

 “…! Really?!” 

 Hearing the host’s voice throughout the venue, Tohka’s eyes widened in surprise and glanced at her. 

 The big stomach king fighters who sat in a row only managed to eat a half of their hot dog castle so far, and even Tohka who’d only just managed to finish her first hot dog castle, but Mukuro was already on her second plate. She probably felt Tohka’s gaze on her and she returned her gaze with an arrogant smile. 

 “Ah, Tohka, if you are negligent, the title of champion will be taken away,” said Mukuro as she grabbed another hot dog and tossed it into her mouth and then swallowed it almost without chewing. Seeing this magical scene, the audience burst into applause. 

 “Oh! That’s a whole set, Mukuro!” 

 How could I lose to her? It was a game that couldn’t hold up, but if chess meets rivals, things will be different. 

 Tohka ignited her own fighting spirit and ate up the hot dog castle in her hand. She raised her hand and asked for another plate. 

 ──Big stomach king warrior with various expressions, gorging on the hot dog castle. 

 Sure enough, he is a veritable “King Warrior”. The appearance of a biting hot dog fortress, not so much as eating, is more reminiscent of the word fighting. 

 “But… victory will be Muku’s!” Mukuro murmured to herself and shoved the hotdog castle into her mouth. 

 The hot dog castle, which she didn’t even bother chewing the hotdog castle, before swallowing it whole. When the audience saw this, they burst into applause and the cheers were thunderous. 

 After Mukuro smiled, she reached out and touched her throat. When it came to eating fast, there was not a person on earth who could beat the current Mukuro. 

 Because Mukuro used her key Angel <Michael> to open a hole in her throat to transfer the hot dog to other spaces. 

 That’s right. The moment before the game started, a small key appeared in Mukuro’s hand. At that moment, Mukuro remembered that Kotori warned her that if her mental state were to become unstable, she could cause a backflow of Spirit power and told her to pay attention and exercise caution. At the time, she was worried that the pain in her chest caused a backflow of Spirit power to allow her to summon her Angel. 

 Mukuro soon realized that as long as she had the power of <Michael>, winning the contest was not just a dream. 

 Sure, it was an unfair advantage. Even if the true stomach king warrior was present, as long as the capacity of the stomach is limited, no one could eat endlessly. Regardless of the size of the meal, Mukuro was the strongest existence in history. 

 Having said that, Mukuro had no intention of wasting any of the food she was eating. The hole in her throat led to another one in her room back at the Spirit mansion as they were. Then she planned to freeze them and eat them slowly over time. 

 In short, Mukuro’s first priority was defeating Tohka in the contest and winning the microwave baking stone oven for Shido. It would make Shido happy and if he received it from Mukuro, he was surely going to be even happier. 

 “Muku is sorry, Tohka. Only in this manner, Muku shall not back down…!” 

 Mukuro showed sharp eyes and shoved the fourth set into her mouth and raised her hand. 

 “The last minute entry: Mukuro Hoshimiya has already entered the fifth set! Such amazing speed…Oh! It looks like another person is keeping pace with her! It’s Yatogami Tohka!” 

 “OOOOOHHH!” 

 The audience cheered when the host’s voice was heard. 

 “…!” 

 The unexpected announcement caught Mukuro off guard as she suddenly turned to look at Tohka. 

 It was just as the host said, both Mukuro and Tohka had managed to finish the fourth plate completely. 

 “How-how can this be…?” Mukuro made a surprised sound as she watched Tohka go. 

 This is no wonder. Tohka’s appetite was no small matter but from that morning, she and Mukuro ate from the Big Steak menus in various stores. Despite this, she was still able to eat hot dog castles at the same speed as Mukuro. 

 The fifth dish full of hot dog castles was immediately delivered to Tohka. Mukuro and Tohka picked up the hot dog castle, opened their mouths: one person threw it into their mouths with reckless abandon while the other bit down on it. 

 “…!” 

 Just then, something felt wrong. 

 That’s right. The big stomach king fighters present here all showed a sloppy expression like Shura’s and stuffed the hot dog castle into his mouth, except that Tohka ate deliciously and looked happy. 

 “Well, it’s delicious. I thought the hot dog castle used for the contest wouldn’t taste so good but it did! I didn’t expect it to taste so delicious.” 

 “Mun…” Seeing Tohka’s expression, Mukuro murmured quietly. But she never gave up. She stuffed her hotdog with her mouth, kept her pace, and successfully accumulated records. The big stomach king fighters and the audience around were probably not expecting that a last minute entry would fight to such an extent that they all cast a shocked look at Mukuro. 

 And the ranking hasn’t changed, as they reached toward the end of the contest. 

 Although the other big stomach king fighters continued to struggle, they were still unable to catch up to Mukuro who’d resorted to foul tricks to take the lead. 

 That’s right—in the end, there’s only one rival. 

 “──Okay! Time is running out! The current champion seems to be Mukuro Hoshimiya! How does her petite body accommodate nearly 70 hot dog castles?! And with the gap of half of the hot dog castle closely behind, the current <Queen> Yatogami Tohka! How do the girls in Tengu City manage to eat so amazingly!” 

 The host excitedly heated up the atmosphere of the venue. The audience cheered loudly for the unexpected but nonetheless brilliant performance of the two girls. 

However, Mukuro herself was all but powerless by this point. Although she barely managed to take the lead for the championship title, she hadn’t expected Tohka to follow so closely behind her. Obviously, the other big stomach king fighters have gradually slowed down but Tohka’s pace remained the same. 

 “…!” 

 “…!” 

 Tohka’s and Mukuro’s eyes met. Of course, both sides were stuffed with hot dog castles and didn’t speak. But there was an unobstructed communication between the two in a way beyond words. 

 “Muku will never give up! This is the only thing that will not give way!” 

 “Not bad, Mukuro! It’s been a long time since I’ve had this much fun!” 

 Regardless, as long as she maintained her current speed, the winning prize would go to Mukuro. No matter how powerful Tohka was, she couldn’t beat Mukuro whose stomach was effectively a literal bottomless pit. 

 “Mun…” 

 However… At that moment, Mukuro stopped moving. 

 No, it was more accurate to say that she had to stop. 

 When Mukuro forced another hot dog castle into her mouth, she felt an unprecedented touch in her throat, causing her to cough violently. That was the feeling of the hot dog castle really being stuffed into her throat. It seemed that the limited state of <Michael> weakened causing the hole previously in her throat to disappear. 

 “How… come…” 

 Mukuro’s belly was already full to bursting. Once the “hole” disappeared, she could no longer eat. Mukuro kneeled weakly on the spot. 

 “Huh uh uh… one more plate!” 

 During this time, Tohka finished the last hot dog castle and raised her hand for the next plate. 

 At that moment, a gong sounded to announce the end of the game. 

 “The crown and champion are decided! The final white-hot victory prevailed and it was the <Queen> Yatogami Tohka that won the glory of the queen! The hard-working Mukuro managed to close behind by half a share and get the runner-up!” 

 “OOOOOHHHHH!!” 

 The megaphone sounded the host’s voice, and the audience cheered loudly. 

 “Mun… so sorry…” 

 Mukuro covered her mouth and squeezed out her voice. 

 At this time, a hand suddenly stretched over──it was Tohka. 

 “Mukuro, you are amazing! You really like good food too!” 

 “M-Mun…” 

 In the face of Tohka’s sparkling expression like a sportsman, Mukuro couldn’t help but look away from her. However, Tohka took her hand without a care in the world and pulled her to her feet. 

 “Wow! Ah! Ah! Ah!” The audience applauded and cheered while Tohka waved vigorously in response. 

 “…Tohka, w-why is it that you can work so hard?” Mukuro asked with a stern expression, Tohka smiled slightly: 

 “I want to eat a lot of delicious food! It was fun to play with you this time! And─I still want to see Shido happy!” 

 “Mun…” Mukuro sighed when she saw Tohka’s innocent and bright smile. 

 Perhaps it was a change in Mukuro’s expression but Tohka then looked at Mukuro blankly. 

 “Well? Is there something wrong?” 

 “It’s nothing. Just a little bit of self-loathing…” Mukuro sighed and said, “Because Nushi-sama said that he wanted the microwave baking stone oven, you didn’t hesitate to do anything to get it and it came to fruition—Tohka, you really are amazing, really… admirable.” 

 “The microwave baking stone oven? Oh, so you also want to give a gift to Shido?” Tohka’s eyes widened unexpectedly. 

 Just then, the host with the microphone came over to them. 

 “Congratulations to both of you! This showdown was very exciting! How are you both feeling right now?” The host asked, pointing the microphone towards Tohka. Tohka faced the microphone with a smile and said: 

 “Well, it was very delicious! But if you really want me to say, I think a little bit more ketchup is more suitable for my tastes!” 

 Unexpectedly, Tohka even added a comment about the taste which made the audience laugh. The host also reacted exaggeratedly before continuing: 

 “Then, please accept the prize voucher and the microwave baking stone oven catalog!” 

 “Oh!” 

 After receiving two envelopes with a gift certificate from the host, Tohka raised it high. The audience applauded again. 

 “──Yeah.” 

 Tohka bathed in the applause. After a moment, she glanced at Mukuro and handed her the envelope in her left hand—the catalogue for the microwave baking stone oven. 

 “H-Huh?” 

 Faced with Tohka’s unexpected behavior, Mukuro stared at her face incredulously. As a result, the corner’s of Tohka’s mouth rose into the shape of a smile. 

 “Mukuro, give that to Shido. I’m sure he will be very happy.” 

 “What…” 

 Mukuro was stunned when she heard it and shook her shoulders. 

 “What does this mean? You won this. How could you give it away so easily?” 

 “Okay, so it’s my thing, so who I want to give it to is my choice!” 

 “B-But!” 

 Mukuro couldn’t think of a comeback and shook her head vigorously. 

 “Never, since Muku lost the battle. Tohka should be the one to give it to Nushi-sama.” 

 “Hmm… but don’t you want to give a gift to Shido too? If you give it to Shido, he will also be very happy!” 

 “…!” 

 Tohka’s words were spoken innocently, making Mukuro’s eyes go wide. 

 Ah! Tohka just wanted to see Shido’s happy expression and it didn’t matter to her who made him happy was secondary. 

 “Haha… it’s better thanks to you,” Mukuro collapsed and smiled weakly. 

 “You should give it to Nushi-sama. You won so it would be best that you give it to him.” 

 “Oh, but…” 

 “Come on. If it wasn’t something you won—” 

 “Umm… I’m sorry to bother you both.” 

 As Tohka and Mukuro continued to argue with each other, the host interjected. 

 “Did you need something?” 

 “That is, I want to present a prize to Hoshimiya-san; it’s a 30000 yen meal voucher and an advanced pressure cooker set. 

 “Mun…” 

 “Oh!” 

 The host finished speaking and Tohka and Mukuro looked at each other. 

◇◇◇

 “Shido! This is for you! It’s a pressure cooker set!” 

 “Nushi-sama! Please accept it! It’s a microwave baking stone oven!” 

 Upon returning to the Itsuka household, Tohka and Mukuro handed the prizes they won in the big stomach king eating contest to Shido. 

 “Wow! What’s the matter between both of you? How could you give me something that looks so expensive…” 

 Shido’s eyes widened in surprise. Tohka and Mukuro looked at each other and smiled, facing him again. 

 “Oh, I’m not telling!” 

 “A girl always has to have some secrets, Nushi-sama.” 

 The two said this with broad smiles while Shido looked puzzled. He sighed shortly afterwards and said: 

 “Anyway, thank you both. I’ve been wanting to change to the new microwave oven and pressure cooker for a while now. I’ll be sure to use them today to make a delicious dinner for you!” 

 “Oh! I’ve been looking forward to it!” 

 “M-Mun…Nushi-sama, you don’t have to do it right now, maybe tomorrow or the next day…” 

 Tohka answered in a spirited manner. On the other hand, Mukuro lightly smiled as she held her belly. 

 As the three talked, footsteps came from the second floor and Kotori’s head suddenly poked out of the room. 

 “Oh, you two are back.” 

 “Yeah! We’re back!” 

 “Hmm…” 

 After Tohka and Mukuro answered, Kotori looked back at them and smiled. 

 “It seems that the misunderstanding seems to be resolved, right Mukuro?” 

 “…!” 

 As Kotori said those words, Mukuro’s eyes widened as if remembering something before glancing at Tohka’s face. 

 “Mun… yes, she really is different from the woman she met before—Tohka.” 

 “Huh? What’s wrong? Why are you so solemn?” 

 “I was so sorry to avoid you in the past. Although it’s a bit late… I’d like to ask you to please continue to take care of Muku in the future.” Mukuro said this and slowly reached out her hand. 

 “Oh!” Tohka’s eyes glowed, and she also reached out to shake hands with Mukuro. 

 ──However… 

 Mukuro’s hand passed Tohka’s hand and grabbed her chest directly and then started kneading it. 

 “What…?! What are you doing, Mukuro!” 

 “Mun? Was Miku wrong? She told Muku that to make our friendship stronger, it was necessary to rub each other’s chests.” 

 “Is that so? Ah, Ah… I heard that, I seem to have heard of it from her too. Since that’s the case, there’s nothing we can do about that. I also…” 

 “You two, that’s utter nonsense!” 

 When Tohka reached out to try to rub Mukuro’s chest, a loud wailing sound interrupted her.