The Resolve to Fight Over a Man
"They... they kissed?"
Ichika Nakano was dazed; her mind went blank with shock, as if she were seeing a brand-new world.
She didn't doubt Emilia's feelings for Hikigaya Hachiman at all, but in her view, even if the world ended, as long as Hachiman didn't take the initiative, Emilia should have been the one with the least physical aggression!
"Based on her previous behavior, Emilia was a total amateur when it came to physical contact. She clearly knew nothing. Even if her spiritual offensives were constant, still... still—"
Nino Nakano was speechless. The five sisters stared at each other in a daze, a sense of uncontrollable bewilderment and humiliation circulating between them.
Even someone like Emilia, who had zero concept of romance and was as pure as white snow, would hide her kindness, consume her own gentleness, and become so possessive just to seize the man she wanted to rely on.
Then to what extent would the five of them go to fight for a man? Had they even reached this level? —No, they had only taken tiny, secret steps forward, always worrying about their sisters...
But love isn't like that!
"Love is war. You have to discard morality, throw away dignity, use every weapon at your disposal, take the initiative, strike first, and attack both mentally and physically at the same time. Don't be a Crusch; be an Anastasia, a Rem, or an Emilia!"
Ichika Nakano murmured to herself. Her mind exploded as if a new door had been flung wide open.
Although she had already gained some vague insights from watching the emotions of Emilia and the others, it was only now that Ichika was certain: she had truly transformed!
Not just her—Nino, Miku, everyone's gaze became sharp. Even Yotsuba grew tense.
This living room was a battlefield!
Fuutarou Uesugi, who was focused on the video, didn't notice the shifting positions of the five sisters at all. They had already quietly progressed to a state of poking, prodding, and restraining each other, clearly aiming to sit by his side, take his hand, and lean on his shoulder.
"The one whose personality is changing isn't just Hachiman; Emilia is changing too."
At the Shirogane residence, Miyuki Shirogane let out a deep sigh. "Actually, in the beginning, Emilia was just as insecure as Hachiman—perhaps even more so. Ever since she woke up,
she's been the target of everyone's anger and abuse because her appearance resembles Satella.
Under such circumstances, Emilia didn't dare to ask for anything... but things are different now.
Hachiman respects her, protects her, cares for her, praises her, and tells her repeatedly that he is her knight. He emphasized and reaffirmed this over and over.
He has become Emilia's pillar. Perhaps the insecurity hasn't been completely cured, but in front of Hachiman, Emilia dares to desire, dares to be confident, and dares to take. Hikigaya Hachiman is her peace of mind. To hold tight to that peace—that is the current Emilia."
Shirogane Kei 's jaw dropped. She shook her head like a rattle, unable to accept it.
"But Big Sister Emilia wouldn't be so shameless, would she? Doesn't she know that the real-life Hikigaya-senpai already has feelings for someone else and loves Big Sister Rem?"
Although Kei would be happy if the three of them could be together, it still hurt her a bit to see Big Sister Emilia taking measures to steal someone's beloved.
"Kei, do you think at a time like this, Emilia has the mental capacity to remember Rem?"
Shirogane Miyuki shrugged. "Having lost her memories of Rem, Emilia's only impression of her is 'someone Hachiman values highly.' After a series of events like failing the trials, Puck breaking the contract, and Hikigaya Hachiman's heated explanation, would an emotionally charged Emilia have time to think about Rem?"
"Besides, Hachiman hasn't announced in front of her that he loves Rem and wants to marry her. Emilia herself is a blank slate when it comes to romance... She probably doesn't even know Hachiman loves Rem; she only knows he values her. Holding that view, is it possible for her to deliberately suppress her feelings for Rem's sake at a moment like this?"
At this point, Miyuki also shook his head.
"Don't demand the impossible of her, Kei."
"B-but... yeah, that makes sense." Kei thought about it carefully and realized he was right, but she still stammered, feeling a bit uneasy. "It would be better if the one taking the initiative was Hikigaya-senpai."
"If he were the one taking the initiative, Ram would break his limbs and lock him in Rem's bedroom for the rest of his life, hmph!"
On the road, a fierce Ram crossed her arms and snorted coldly. She glanced at her bewildered sister. "But this is already too much... we'll have to deal with Emilia at least. No problem, right, Rem?"
"Eh? ...Um?" Rem replied weakly. If possible, she didn't really want to fight someone Hachiman liked.
But since it was her sister's request, she could only agree for the time being.
The corner of Ram's mouth curled into a cruel arc. She intended to train Rem step-by-step into a possessive person; otherwise, being too gentle would only lead to loss.
"Eh? ...Mmm!"
On the streets of the Royal Capital, Emilia, who had just been happily showing off her knight, was now bright red and had shyly hidden herself in a deserted alleyway.
That wasn't just a kiss—she knew that. It represented her resolve to have a child, to use a child to keep Hachiman by her side—a resolve no less intense than Anastasia's.
The look in Puck's eyes was incredibly soft. This was the most gentle he had been toward Hikigaya Hachiman since meeting him.
"He didn't pull away, Lia."
"He didn't pull away..."
"That's right, he didn't pull away." Perched on his daughter's hair, Puck said softly, "He likes you. He's willing to accept you, Lia."
"...Is that so?"
"Of course it isn't." Kousaka Kyousuke said to his questioning sister. "The guilt from seeing Emilia die so many times in different timelines is a massive reason why Hachiman didn't pull away. He knew that if he did, the Emilia who initiated the kiss would surely be devastated, and her insecurity might even return.
He loves Emilia; there is no doubt about that. But without the guilt accumulated from all those different timelines, Hachiman definitely would have pulled away!
When it comes to love, he is an incredibly devoted person."
Kirino Kousaka stared with wide eyes. "So, by accepting Big Sister Emilia's kiss, Hikigaya-senpai..."
"Yes." Kyousuke Kousaka nodded, his eyes full of worry. "He must be feeling very lost right now."