''Meira, what about Zuiho?''

'Yes, I see that Mizuho-sama is at your friend's place.

Yeah. Well, that's fine too. I'd really like you to go to Yuto-kun's place, though.

　Zhu Yin gave a small sigh as she drank her coffee after dinner.
　After the first round of the tournament schedule, each of the Shitennji personnel were now being sent out to clean up and prepare for tomorrow.
　Regardless of whether they are winners or losers, the injured participants of the festival are receiving generous treatment.
　This time, the schedule of the festival has been rigorously scheduled until the last moment.
　Because of this, there was little free time given to each of them. It also meant that for the winners, there was very little time to plan for the next match's opponent.
　For Shitenji, what he wants to measure in this festival is the participants' self-reliance, and it is not his intention to have a battle where the participants only prepare carefully and use strange tactics.
　Therefore, the participants are forced to fight a battle that can be considered harsh.

'What about the others?'

''Yes, Master Zamanosuke and the others have eaten a quick meal and are examining the results of today's match.

''........Fufu, how did the bigwigs in Shitennji look?''

　Ming Liang smiled as he understood exactly what this Zhu Yin was saying.

''Yes, it seems that you were quite surprised by Yuto-kun. I was surprised by that many times when I was accompanying you, but even now, I am even baffled by the bottomlessness of Yuto-kun.

Yeah?　Then, when Yujin-kun wins out to the end, who would object to Yujin-kun joining the family?

'Yes, you're not there. Rather, everyone seemed to be very interested in it. And to my surprise, I felt that even that Lord Yi Cheng seemed to be moved by it.

　Zhu Yin smiled at Ming Liang's words and was a bit amused.

''Ah, Tsuyoshi's is a bit different. You just felt nostalgic, didn't you?''

"...?　Nostalgia, huh?

No, that's fine.

"...Yes. It's just....

What's going on?

'No, that's not what I meant, but these are the participants in this tournament. I thought that all of them who won today's match were quite capable of doing so. And that's exactly what I thought, all of them were more than I could have imagined...

And then?　What do you mean by that?

'No ... what can I say, I was worried too ...'

Hmmm, it sounds as if you've already decided who you're going to call your future master.

　Seeing Ming Liang, who was momentarily disconcerted by Zhu Yin's words, Zhu Yin lowered her eyebrows happily.

''There's nothing to worry about, Ming Liang. Yes, nothing to worry about. Then again, you will be surprised by that Yuuto-kun.

...Ha.

''It doesn't matter what kind of strong enemy you have, as long as you're serious about it, Yuto-kun. That's the kind of girl she is, she is.

....

　Zhu Yin's words are powerful and yet strangely persuasive.
　What does Zhu Yin, a spirit priestess, see?　Meira thinks to herself.

'Just ... if there's anything that can shake her ...'

.....

　
　It was also rare for Zhu Yin to comment on a person in this way.
　Zhu Yin looked squarely at Meira with an extremely serious expression.

''It's a woman........''

...What?

You already have the ability to spread your wings and fly away, as well as the ability to see the world, and the ability to influence the people around you. However, there is a part of him that doesn't try to make use of it. At the core, you are too good and unselfish, Yuto. That's a temperament worthy of admiration, but........

''Yes, I feel that too. He's very talented in my opinion........no, I think his ability as a person with that ability has already reached a ridiculous level. With that ability alone, I think there are more things available to him, but I think he's a bit too indifferent to that point...

You don't put a lot of value on the things you can get by being powerful or having a high position. It's like it's ingrained in you to the level where you become your own flesh and blood. How he became so solid at such a young age, I don't know. However, I imagine that it's just the experience she's had in the past that has made her so. It makes me wonder where in the world he has put himself in the past.

Yes.

'That's why. The only thing that can sway you, for better or worse, is always a woman. A woman will have a great influence on your future life, your choices and your decisions. Of course, a man you can call your best friend or rival will also influence you, but not as much as a woman.

....

　Once again, Zhu Yin smiled at Akela's expression as she brought the already cold coffee to her mouth again and smiled at Akela's expression.

''Hmm, it's like you haven't fallen into your stomach, Akela. Come to think of it, I haven't heard any flirtatious stories from you. It's about time you found a partner, too, isn't it?

Oh, no...

No matter how well the two gentlemen get along with each other, no matter how much they share the same goals, the threads of their lives will never cross. And in that sense the lords are always alone. But women are different. They are literally bound to that lord. The threads of their lives with each other are intertwined and become one thread. That's why so many women are revered and feared. Of course, there will be times when they will be separated in various ways. At that time, the process of putting the threads back together again, once they have become one thread, happens. This is a hard thing to do, and the threads of that life of each other will never fully return to the state they were in before they were tied together. So, again, we are greatly affected by each other here.

....

''That's why you have to watch Yuto-kun often. That boy, you know, is going to grow into a man who will attract the women he interacts with, whether he wants to or not. He's already shown glimpses of that as well. And it's possible that one day he could even become a big enough man to influence the world by the woman beside you, Yuto, and end up quietly as he is now.

''........Yes. Then, is Zhu Yin-sama trying to invite Yujin-kun to come to Shitennji because she is buying into his potential? They are worthy of each other as Mizuno-sama's counterpart and have a positive influence on each other. After that, you believe that he will be a great supporter of this four-tiered temple.

　Ming Liang shows a look of relief that he finally understands what Zhu Yin is saying here. Also, to be honest, Ming Liang was also a complete Yuto supporter.
　The fact that Akane thought highly of Yuto was also very welcome.

''Huh?　What are you talking about?　Meira.

What?

''Of course they're inviting you to come to Shitenji because you're cute!　Okay?　If you don't have a strong chain around Yujin-kun's neck right now, extra girls will come to you, right?　We have a strong rival, even if it's just a strong rival, but we can't afford to have more of them. Mizuho is too clumsy and too straightforward. If you don't do this much for her, nothing will happen forever. In fact, it would be just as well to barge into Yuto-kun's room tonight!

Ha, ha...

　Ming Liang's twitching face says
　How is it that you want your own daughter to barge into a man's room?

'Really........do I really need to move too?　Or if you go with a mother and daughter ... easily.

Gohon, Gohon!

　Ming Liang pretends that he didn't hear about his master's devious schemes.

''Listen, Ming Liang. There is no such thing as a child with that many. You will continue to keep a close eye on Yuto-kun in the future, right?

Yes, sir.

　For some reason, Akio felt tired.