Don't use Type-Moon references in Oregairu!

"Based on my experience at the Special Affairs Bureau headquarters, and the information I've gathered from dealing with those guys from the Kansai Spellcasting Association, there are only two publicly known treasures in the entire country of Japan, and even counting those that are quietly making a fortune, there are at most only three or four, do you understand? What can we offer in exchange?"

"An artificial spirit origin?"

"I'm furious! You dare to release something like this so casually?" Yukinoshita Haruno laughed angrily. "Let me tell you, I'm only confident I can get the Kansai Jujutsu Association's stuff. The other one is with the Special Affairs Bureau. If you dare to take an artificial spirit core to them, they'll investigate us thoroughly. Can you understand what we're doing? We're basically smuggling and violating conventions like arms dealers without permission?"

Although the emotions were quite agitated due to the fusion with the artificial spirit origin, the general meaning was understandable.

It is possible to obtain these things by creating an artificial spirit origin. After all, the Holy Grail Drop is just a large crystal of magic power without knowing how to use it. Its quality and quantity are amazing, but it is still a rare item, not a national treasure.

The only problem is that the Special Affairs Bureau is truly impossible to replace—once they learn of the existence of artificial spirit origins, even if they don't know whether they are mass-produced or not, they will turn their attention to Chaldea.

Fujimaru Ritsuka stroked her chin and nodded, grasping the key point: "So, it's possible to exchange for the Kansai Spells Association, right... If I remember correctly, Tsuchimikado Taishin seems to have reached the limit of a superhuman, right? Compared to the nominal next young master, he should now be the de facto head of the Tsuchimikado family, right?"

Yukinoshita barely managed to suppress her excitement, panting as she sat back down in her chair. After rubbing her temples, she said definitively, "That's true. But the Holy Grail Drop from the Kansai Spellcasting Association isn't in their hands; I heard it's at the shrine. And Tsuchimikado Yasumaru..."

“It’s alright. Tsuchimikado Yasumasa is completely trustworthy.” Fujimaru Ritsuka spoke up immediately, but then hesitated. “I’m just worried that he will never be able to turn the Tsuchimikado family into his own personal fiefdom. If he goes through the elders, there’s a risk of information leaking out.”

"A self-enforced certificate contract!" the two said in unison, offering the solution.

Inspiration kept flowing, and Yukino's eyes gleamed with an eager impulse: "Tsuchimikado Yasumasa is, in a way, our ally. If you think Fujimaru can definitely trust that guy, then let's use a contract to ensure that the contents of our conversation won't be leaked. Let him know the way that will allow him to break through his limits."

"Then let him figure it out himself. If he's willing, he'll surely persuade his family elders to grant him the authority to trade..."

Yang then added to Fujimaru Ritsuka's idea, with extremely malicious intent: "Moreover, I personally feel that letting them exchange the Holy Grail Drop for the opportunity to break through their limits is a bit too lenient on them. We should take the opportunity to ask for some additional compensation."

Breaking limits can be described as a nightmare for extraordinary individuals.

As mentioned before, the continuous integration of extraordinary materials is equivalent to a kind of sublimation effect on the body and soul of extraordinary individuals, leading to constant transformation. However, in the past two years, those with sufficient talent and resources have quickly hit a barrier.

They all sensed the possibility of a qualitative change imminent. With just one more step, both their lifespan and strength could be elevated to unimaginable levels, a leap so significant it could be considered a transformation from superhuman to superman. But they couldn't achieve this transformation; even attempts to integrate countless materials were futile.

For them, if they could obtain an artificial spirit core, they would be willing to pay any price, especially those middle-aged and elderly superhumans who are no longer in their golden age and whose bodies and minds are constantly declining.

No matter how you weigh it, Yang Nai doesn't think that the Holy Grail Drop, which can now only be used as a power bank, has anything irreplaceable about it.

However, she was obviously unaware of Komachi's situation. The fact that the Holy Grail Drop could be fixed with an internal healing device that continuously exerted the weak effects of Noble Phantasms was already incredibly powerful—but even Ishigami, that reclusive person, wouldn't reveal this. If anyone knew, the Holy Grail Drop would have already caused a frenzy in the market, and I guarantee that eight out of ten missions would be looking for it.

As for Fujimaru Ritsuka, Haruno's consideration was not very reliable either. He shook his head in disagreement: "There is no need to squeeze so much out of him. You should know that Tsuchimikado Yasumasa is very likely to be our loyal ally, or at least he is."

“But the Tsuchimikado family is different!” Yukinoshita Haruno said calmly, seemingly having completely regained control of her emotions after fusing with the artificial spirit core. She flicked her bright red nails, speaking mysteriously, “Do you believe it? If Tsuchimikado Taishin and I ask for an exorbitant price, and he returns everything, and we split the rest 30/70, he’ll be absolutely grateful. Besides, don’t you think the higher the price we ask for, the more they’ll trust us?”

Fujimaru Ritsuka immediately understood and couldn't help but admire her greatly: "As expected of Haruno-nee, once she's clear-headed, she's exceptionally good at what she does."

It's a very simple principle. In a family like Tsuchimikado's, it's impossible for the head of the family to have absolute power. More resources would help Tsuchimikado Taishin better control the family's power.

Of course, there are also options that the elders are unwilling to provide.

But this is clearly an option that leads to failure.

The fact that Tsuchimikado Yasuma has become uniquely powerful means he can protect his family, but does that mean he can get things for free?

No, the patriarch will only remember those who were stingy and unwilling to give resources. A patriarch with a grand sense of justice and a strong sense of entitlement isn't scary, nor is a powerful enemy, but the combination of the two is truly terrifying. If you don't want to be a nobody, you have no choice but to give them something.

Moreover, if Tsuchimikado Yasunari returned everything, the strength of his allies would not decrease. It can only be said that this is the wisdom of the predecessors, and it is indeed very useful. It fully demonstrates that the good friendship between the government and the gentry has no harm other than harming others.

Having figured it out, Fujimaru Ritsuka patted Haruno on the shoulder: "Master, the mission is all yours. This time, we're going to earn money with our heads held high!"

202, The Female-Transformed King Ma is Forced into Marriage

The dead of night is when conspirators exchange interests and advance their schemes. Of course, Fujimaru Ritsuka didn't participate in the plot between Haruno and Tsuchimikado Yasumasa—for some reason, he always felt he couldn't bring himself to be ruthless in front of Tsuchimikado Yasumasa.

That young Onmyoji possessed a strange blend of idealistic naiveté and a touch of realism. The worst part was that this fellow always looked at him with an admiring gaze, making it truly unsettling.

So let the housekeeper handle this kind of thing. Don't worry about it all the time. You might as well continue forging iron with your master and the others in your dreams.

The morning after Jia Kongming's warning, Yang Nai at the breakfast table was radiant, grinning from ear to ear like Grandet who had found a gold ring. She took the initiative to sit next to Fujimaru Ritsuka and whispered, "Boss, we've hit the jackpot this time! Even with a 70/30 split, our income will be at least this much. You can spend money like crazy for the next year without any problem."

Fujimaru Ritsuka glanced at Haruno's gesture and slowly nodded: "I never imagined that even a family like the Tsuchimikado could have such great wealth after rising again."

The two huddled together, emitting a low hooting sound like an owl hunting its prey, which made the people who had just arrived at the table tremble.

Abigail was starting to worry: "The captain and the others are laughing so strangely. Are they really under some kind of curse? Hmm, should I go and check on them?"

"No need, Abby. My sister and Fujimaru are in cahoots, trying to scam people. Don't listen to them, it's not suitable for children."

"Hmm! Yukino-neechan, Abby, I'm already mature, you know?"

"Yes, yes, yes... then how about trying to drink some black coffee to perk yourself up, just like the adults do?"

"Abby refuses to drink that bitter stuff!!"

The harmonious atmosphere at the dining table was quickly shattered. Like someone who had miraculously survived being run over by a car multiple times, Sakura Hibiki rushed into the dining room, her face deathly pale.

Now, her hair is no longer entirely blonde, and the two tufts of hair that resemble tendrils have been dyed one red and one blue. They stand up high and point directly at the food on the table.

"Hmm! It's the scent of an enemy!" Artoria, who was eating gracefully but quickly, also had her ahoge (cowlick) stand up.

The ahoge (cowlicks) seemed to have encountered a kindred enemy, and invisible sparks flew through the air.

Sakura Hibiki's steps, which had been like zombies unleashed, also stopped. After a brief standoff, Artoria seemed to acknowledge something: "Is that so... Your will is admirable. Well then, I'll share today's provisions with you!"

"Thank you so much!" Hibiki Sakura wiped the drool from her mouth and pounced on the table like a hungry wolf, quickly sitting down.

The half-cooked egg, with its alternating white and yolk, was incredibly appetizing. A slice of toasted bread, crispy around the edges, was placed on top, followed by several slices of charred bacon. Salad dressing and black pepper were added, and then some lettuce was casually added before another slice of bread was placed on top. The thick, simple sandwich was devoured by Hibiki Sakura in just a couple of bites.

Breakfast at Chaldea, thanks to a certain glutton, is always a fusion of Chinese and Western food, with large portions and unlimited choices.

After finishing the sandwich, Hibiki Sakura immediately downed a glass of milk, then picked up the steamed chicken feet that were almost falling off the bone, stuffed a large steamed bun filled with sauerkraut, pork and vermicelli, and steamed pork ribs with taro, and ate at an astonishing speed.

Kasumigaoka Utaha also arrived late. Looking at Sakura Hibiki's gluttonous eating, she couldn't help but shake her head: "Sakura...it seems you're really hungry. You used up too much energy yesterday, so don't eat so fast."

Sakura Hibiki just kept eating frantically, muttering something under her breath.

Artoria perked up: "Ah...this speed of eating reminds me of my younger days. I can't lose either!"

This subtle desire to win...

Fujimaru Ritsuka, momentarily snapping out of her reverie over her abundant good news, turned to Haruno and said, "Have the kitchen...make another meal of about the same size, otherwise the two of them won't have enough to eat."

Seeing that more than half of the food meant for twenty people had already been consumed in such a short time, Yang nodded silently: she seemed to have forgotten to calculate the rate at which Chaldea's gluttons would consume it. Speaking of which, should she recruit Sakura Hibiki? She had a feeling it would put the finances under immense strain once again.

Hibiki Sakura couldn't hear Yukinoshita Haruno's thoughts, so she and Artoria ate all the extra breakfast in one go before lying down on the chairs with expressions of mutual sympathy.

"It's been so long since I've had such a satisfying meal. Seeing such a beautiful lady eating with me really whets my appetite."

"Yeah, me too. It's so great that we don't have to worry about food now, we can eat as much as we want." Artoria sighed, marveling at the superiority of modern life.

Fujimaru Ritsuka could only chuckle. This scumbag had such a huge appetite! Didn't she know the chefs in the kitchen were practically cramping up? In the end, she had to give each of them a huge bowl of noodles to finally satisfy them. How terrifying!

Hibiki Sakura patted her round little belly contentedly; with her appetite satisfied, her intelligence finally kicked in. She sat there blankly for a while, then suddenly slammed her hand on the table: "Oh no! I finally remember why I'm here."

Kasumigaoka Utaha sighed: "Didn't you come here because of the strange things that have been happening lately?"

“That’s absolutely right.” Hibiki Sakura nodded seriously. “Actually, I know a teacher who is quite capable and has helped us in several incidents, but she’s recently run into a lot of trouble.”

"Is it Wu Yacha? I've heard rumors about a fighter from your school. Did she also encounter some insurmountable anomaly? She doesn't know any superhumans?" Fujimaru Ritsuka was slightly surprised, but not at all. What haven't I seen?

Wu Yasha, a teacher at Hibiki Sakura's school in Fujimaru Ritsuka's memories, is actually a member of the powerful Wu clan. This was also mentioned in the information Haruno gave to Chaldea.

The Wu clan is a rather unique clan in the world. They revere strength, and each generation strives to find a strong person as a partner so that their descendants can become even stronger. Through breed improvement similar to horse racing, this clan cultivates eugenics, enabling its members to achieve powerful bursts of energy with their robust physiques, as if freeing their bodies from the shackles of physical exertion.

Although the principle is somewhat strange, theoretically, a clan that pursues power so much could not possibly ignore the possibility of becoming powerful, and theoretically should have come into contact with extraordinary materials long ago.

"Ah...not really. Teacher Wu Yacha is an extraordinary being, but..." Sakura Hibiki scratched her cheek with her finger, her eyes wandering as she spoke:

"Can you help our teacher get a heart transplant and break the curse of being gender-swapped for her son-in-law, who is a fighter? It's urgent, if we don't hurry, he'll supposedly become her nephew's wife."

"Wait, will you say that again?"

Hibiki Sakura took a deep breath: "A certain fighter who once tied with me in a competitive eating contest was accidentally cursed during a sudden incident and turned into a woman! And then... Wu Lei'an, a member of Wu Yacha's clan, declared that he wanted to compete with Wu Jialuo, the daughter of Wu Yacha's teacher, for the throne!"

I'm sorry, I've never seen this before.

Fujimaru Ritsuka leaned back slightly: "This is all possible! Mr. Wu Lei'an is really benevolent, puh ...

"Oh dear, Wu Jialouluo is almost crying her eyes out. And if it weren't for our second eating contest, we wouldn't have gotten involved in this. Luckily, it wasn't a transformation, but rather everyone becoming female."

"So the only one who couldn't have fallen for it is Mr. Tokita Ohma, right? Pfft."

"It really was him."

Fujimaru Ritsuka barely managed to suppress his laughter amidst the strange looks around him, and he offered no explanation.

Those who don't know Kengan Ashura naturally can't understand the joy that Fujimaru Ritsuka feels about a 183cm muscular man turning into a girl.

"You need to find Ms. Lisa Lisa. I'm sure you've tried to find others to solve this kind of curse problem before, but none of them could. So go and ask Lisa Lisa to come, or have Wang Ma come over."

Sakura Hibiki exclaimed, "As expected of Fujimaru Ritsuka-san, he really has a way. Miss Wu Jialuo was about to give up."

"Oh, she actually gave up?"

"Yes, I'm giving up on living. I'm planning to find a way to kill Wu Lei'an first, and then commit suicide with Wang Ma."

"Then you'd better contact your teacher quickly. It sounds kind of pathetic."

"Alright, I'm going right now." Sakura Hibiki casually pulled out her phone and dialed a number: "Hello... Professor Wu Yacha! I've found a way! Come to Chiba quickly, I have a solution here."

Although she was speaking excitedly, there seemed to be no response from the other end, only the sound of panting. Sensing something was wrong, Sakura Hibiki frowned: "Wu Yasha-sensei?"

"Sakura-san, I'm sorry." A weak voice finally came from the other end. "If you can, please call to come and collect our body. Thank you for your trouble."

"W-What happened?"

Fujimaru Ritsuka immediately grabbed the phone and said seriously into the other end: "Address, situation! Hurry, there might still be hope."

-------------------------------------

"Is there really any hope?" Wu Yacha carefully placed the phone close to his body, the movement slightly aggravating his wound, causing him only pain.

"Mother!" Wu Jialouluo, no longer displaying her usual vigor, carefully helped Wu Yacha sit down. Her black and white eyes, which might have seemed frightening to outsiders, were filled with concern for her mother.

"Don't be too loud. Wu, um, Mom won't die." The tall, beautiful girl with messy hair let out a heavy sigh. "But who knows in a moment. Including us, we can all die easily."

She looked around at the mirror-like maze, seemingly wary of the ghosts that might emerge at any moment.

This kind of fantasy, like that of a cowardly person afraid of the dark, is exactly what they experienced.

Ever since she was transformed into a woman that day in order to kill a strange creature that disrupted her epic battle with Hibiki Sakura, Ohma, Garuda, and Yasha have been traveling around searching for a way to lift the curse.

Unfortunately, the curse was incredibly strong. After much searching, they finally learned of a highly respected monk skilled in dispelling curses, so the three women, along with a little tail, left Tokyo for the vicinity of Kyoto. However, before they even encountered the monk, the strange creature that had randomly appeared did.

—It must be said that it was fortunate that Wu Lei'an was always following them, to the point that Wu Yacha also stayed by their side to protect her former son-in-law's chastity. Otherwise, the two of them would have been in a life-or-death situation.

"Ah... I regret it so much. I should have known better than to come with you, Wang Ma. Tsk, you could have given birth to my child first and then slowly found a way to lift the curse, then we wouldn't be in this situation." Wu Lei'an lay on the ground with his limbs twisted in a strange way, and it was less of a complaint and more of a last statement.

The Ten Demon Snake King's horse had no intention of paying any attention to this young, white-haired man. Listen to the nonsense he was spouting.