Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

As dusk approached during the bewitching hour, Daiki returned to his daily routine of tutoring sessions.

After his lessons, the quintuplets came to realize the significant gaps in their knowledge — their academic foundation was truly lacking.

Despite his thorough teaching that left them mentally exhausted, they still struggled to grasp the concepts. They had no choice but to rely entirely on his teaching abilities.

Compared to yesterday, however, Miku seemed notably distracted.

Whenever Daiki's gaze fell on her, she would immediately blush and look away. Her nervous, shy demeanor suggested she was grappling with some internal conflict.

Meanwhile, Rizu was eagerly reviewing her test papers, delighting in her newfound knowledge.

She had achieved what once seemed impossible — passing both Social Studies and Japanese Literature!

Though she felt a twinge of guilt about potentially disappointing Teacher Kirisu, Rizu found herself completely immersed in this new ocean of knowledge.

'Teacher Kirisu, I apologize — it's not that your tutoring was inadequate. It's just that Daiki-kun's teaching method is remarkably efficient!'

In merely half a day, she had not only passed but reached new heights in her understanding of both subjects.

While she couldn't match Fumino's literary genius, Rizu felt proud of her own progress.

'I wonder what Teacher Kirisu will think when she sees my grades?' She carefully tucked away her test paper and glanced at Yotsuba beside her, noticing her friend's grades hadn't improved much. 'Has she been distracted?'

Rizu observed the redhead with concern and confusion, remembering how enthusiastic Yotsuba had initially been about their study method.

"Yotsuba, is everything alright?" She reached out to pat her shoulder.

"Ah? I'm fine, just lost in thought. Rizu, your grades improved so much! They're much better than mine. Perhaps Daiki's teaching didn't quite connect with me?"

Miku's expression darkened as she watched Yotsuba lying on the couch, rocking back and forth. The memory of her explanation only worsened her mood.

'Come to think of it... since Yotsuba's in the track and field club, wouldn't her athletic build be more appealing than mine? With her superior stamina, wouldn't she be more... energetic? If Daiki-kun is already uncomfortable, wouldn't seeing her make things worse?' A wave of insecurity washed over Miku's heart.

Looking at her sister's swaying motion again, Miku grew instantly vigilant.

She recalled what Yotsuba had said in her room before. What seemed insignificant then now took on new meaning.

{T/N: "Huh? Miku, you know me! With my track team experience, if it were me, I definitely would've left more than just one!" She's refering to that.}

'Could Yotsuba be trying to steal him from me? Is this swaying and bowing just a way to show off her charm?'

Why else would she keep bringing up this topic?

The horrifying realization made Miku sense an immediate threat. Who would have thought the seemingly innocent Yotsuba could be so calculating?

Though it was mere speculation, she couldn't lower her guard.

"Daiki-kun, would you like something to eat? We have ingredients in the fridge."

"Anything is fine, I'm okay with whatever."

Miku nodded slightly and walked to the kitchen with Nino.

"Daiki-kun, isn't this question difficult!" Hidden by the couch, Ichika grew bolder.

After a night of deep reflection, she still couldn't bring herself to give up.

If Nino could make the first move, why couldn't she?

With this thought, Ichika reached out and placed her hand on Big Daiki.

This brazen behavior confirmed Yotsuba's suspicions. She quickly pulled Itsuki into her bedroom and locked the door.

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"Itsuki! This is terrible! I just saw Ichika..." Yotsuba's vivid description instantly shattered Itsuki's composure.

So it wasn't just Nino sneaking around — Ichika was doing it too!

The shocking news ignited anger in her heart. While outwardly she was indignant on Miku's behalf, inwardly she burned at Ichika's actions. It felt like someone had stolen from her own plate.

Though she knew she shouldn't think this way, it had been her first time with him after all.

"How could she do this—"

Before she could finish, Yotsuba cut her off.

"Yeah, how could they flirt with Daiki-kun behind Miku's back, and even shamelessly wear her clothes? It's completely immoral!"

Her burning anger evaporated as if doused with ice water. Itsuki wanted to speak but held her tongue.

Yotsuba, oblivious to Itsuki's reaction, continued expressing her views.

"Itsuki! We can't wait any longer! We must save Miku's relationship! We can't let Ichika and Nino keep making these mistakes — it's our responsibility!"

The passionate speech left Itsuki speechless...

"So what do you plan to do?"

Her question was exactly what Yotsuba had been waiting for.

"Actually, I developed a plan during tutoring. I'll disguise myself as Miku and confess to Daiki-kun, telling him I know everything. I'll make him choose between Miku and Nino — no matter which he picks, it'll cut off one relationship! What do you think?"

Yotsuba stared expectantly at her sister, eyes wide.

Itsuki's lips trembled. Why did this plan sound so familiar? It was exactly what she had tried — and failed at — before.

Not only had the plan failed, but she had gotten herself entangled in the mess.

If Yotsuba went through with this, the consequences would be unthinkable! Miku might never forgive them!

"No way!" Itsuki firmly rejected, "This plan is too stupid!"

"Why?" Yotsuba asked, crestfallen.

To her, the plan seemed absolutely perfect!

Yet her sister had not only rejected it but called it stupid.

"No reason — it's just stupid!"

Given her own involvement, how could she possibly explain it to Yotsuba?

She simply warned her sister not to do anything rash, suggesting they could think of another way.

"Why do you get to decide what's stupid! We haven't even tried it... wait... could it be... no way... Itsuki, you..."

Yotsuba's scrutiny made Itsuki unconsciously clench her fists.

Could she have figured it out?

How had she suddenly become so perceptive after tutoring? Could studying really sharpen intelligence that much?

Just as Itsuki's forehead broke out in a cold sweat, about to crack under the pressure to confess, Yotsuba's next words nearly knocked her over.

"Could it be that you're jealous of my wisdom?!"

The bedroom fell silent.

Itsuki's mouth twitched. How had Yotsuba reached that conclusion?

Yet she couldn't argue — it would only make Yotsuba overthink more.

"I knew it!"

"Stop talking nonsense. I just don't approve of this plan—let's discuss it again tonight."

Itsuki decisively rejected the plan and hurried out of the bedroom.

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T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!

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