MHGA Chapter 288 – Cardcaptor Sakura!
Sakura Kinomoto, a fourth-grade student at Tomoeda Elementary School.
Although her mother had passed away early on, her father and older brother still gave her a loving home. Originally, Sakura didn't think her life was particularly unusual aside from being filled with joy—until the day she discovered a book in her house that sealed the Clow Cards.
And then… she met Kero-chan, the Beast of the Seal. Later, she encountered a boy named Syaoran Li, and her once-ordinary days as an elementary schooler transformed into a thrilling life of capturing Clow Cards in outfits designed by her best friend Tomoyo.
Just as Sakura thought her life would continue like that…
"Uwahhhhhhh——!!"
The moment Sakura opened her front door to return home, she found that the space beyond it was not the familiar interior of her house, but rather the entrance to a rugged-looking outpost.
This sudden transportation startled Sakura badly. Instinctively, she assumed this was yet another incident caused by the Clow Cards…
She turned around, intending to ask Kero-chan what was going on—but he was nowhere to be found. The doorway she had passed through had vanished as well.
As Sakura began to panic, a man with a Palico on his head suddenly leapt out, popped a party cannon with a loud bang, and cheered, "Welcome! A warm welcome!!"
"Uwahhh——!!"
Sakura was startled by the sudden appearance of Kairo Retsu, backing away instinctively. She immediately pulled out her magic staff and Clow Cards from her backpack, clearly prepared to cast a spell if necessary…
But what Sakura didn't expect was that the moment she brought out her iconic bird-head staff and Clow Cards, Kairo Retsu's eyes lit up like flashbulbs.
"A gold pull from a single draw!! It's Sakura!!!"
He threw both arms toward the sky in celebration: "I knew it! I knew magical girls were supposed to be normal like this… This is amazing! This is what a magical girl should be! This is it!!"
"Big brother… do you know me?" Sakura hesitated upon hearing Kairo Retsu call out her name and asked shyly.
"Of course I know you!" Kairo Retsu, eyes brimming with tears, rushed up to her and said, "You've been my goddess ever since I was a kid! I've been your fan since I first started elementary school!"
"Eh?" Sakura was left completely dumbfounded by Kairo Retsu's words.
What was this weird big brother saying? She was only ten and a half—how could she be his lifelong goddess…
"Wait! I know you must have a lot of questions… Don't worry! You can return to your world anytime!" Kairo Retsu noticed her unease and raised both hands to show he meant no harm. "I'm the Guildmaster of this Gathering Hall—Kairo Retsu. Try summoning your Gathering Hall panel; from there, you can travel back to your world or come to the Hall anytime…"
Still uncertain, Sakura followed Kairo Retsu's instructions and disappeared from the Hall for a moment—then reappeared again.
Realizing that she truly could go back eased Sakura's anxiety considerably. She finally asked with curiosity, "What is this place, Guildmaster big brother?"
"Big brother…" Kairo Retsu nearly had a blood vessel burst from excitement at hearing that, but he managed to maintain his composure and smiled warmly. "Alright then, let me explain everything slowly. First…"
"We've got a delicious cake prepared. Want to eat while we chat?"
——[Guildmaster's Explanation Time]——
Upon arriving at the true heart of the Gathering Hall—the Canteen—Sakura witnessed many incredible sights she had never seen before.
For example, the distant skies were filled with what looked like fierce flying beasts.
And the Canteen itself bustled with adorable Palicoes going about their duties.
These were all things Sakura had never encountered in her world.
Then, she saw the Canteen's welcome banner—and a cake even taller than she was. On the enormous banner above the cake, written in big bold letters:
[A Warm Welcome to the Magical Girl Joining Our Loving Hunter Family!]
The sudden, overwhelming hospitality left Sakura stunned.
After that, Sakura listened carefully to Kairo Retsu's explanation and finally understood what was going on.
"So that means… I've become… what was it… a Hunter now?" Sakura said, nearly on the verge of tears.
"That's right!" Kairo Retsu beamed brightly.
"But I just wanted to live a normal, peaceful life as an ordinary elementary school girl!" Sakura said in distress. "First I suddenly became a Clow Card wielder, and now I've become some kind of Hunter… Why is this happening to me…"
"I'm really glad you were the one to join us." Kairo Retsu gazed at her with sincere anticipation.
Sakura… was one of the earlier magical girls. Even her transformation outfits were lovingly sponsored by her good friend Tomoyo.
But without a doubt, both Sakura's personality and character were exemplary—and her future potential was that of a Celestial Sage!
"No need to worry. Becoming a Hunter isn't mandatory," Kairo Retsu explained gently. "This place is more like a… club, or a school club like you'd have back home."
With Kairo Retsu's patient explanation, Sakura gradually relaxed, though she still felt hesitant about becoming a Hunter.
After all… hunting dragons and monsters, and saving other worlds—these were all far too distant concepts for a ten-year-old elementary school girl!
"I'm sorry, Guildmaster big brother… I'd like to think about it a little more…" Sakura lowered her head apologetically.
"It's fine. This is definitely something worth thinking over carefully." Kairo Retsu smiled. "If you ever want to know anything about your future, feel free to ask me anytime."
"Okay…" Sakura breathed a sigh of relief and thanked Kairo Retsu. Her attention drifted to the cut slice of cream cake on the table.
The intricately decorated frosting, the glistening syrup on top, the fluffy sponge visible through the cut section… But what truly drew her in was the alluring aroma she had never smelled before—a special scent unique to the local Monster Hunter ingredients.
"Go on, have a piece." Kairo Retsu smiled. Just then, the Gathering Hall panel popped up again with a message about a new recruit.
"What a coincidence—two newcomers arriving one after another." Kairo Retsu's mood brightened. "This one must also be a proper magical girl like Sakura! I can feel my luck exploding!"
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