Seeing that the "war" in the infirmary was about to escalate from a verbal debate to an all-out fight, Kaito patted Rice Shower's back gently and reassuringly—she was still trembling slightly—signaling her to relax
Then he stood up.
"Stop"
His voice was not loud, or even calm, but the undeniable authority it contained, forged from long interactions with top-tier fierce Umas (passive Stage Presence activated), was like a container of cold water that instantly extinguished the raging flames of battle between the four women
The four women, who had been arguing fiercely, actually fell silent at the same time.
Everyone looked at Kaito with some surprise, apparently not expecting that the man they usually "bullied" would suddenly show such a dominant side.
Kaito's gaze swept across the faces of the four women one by one, and then, in his dual capacity as Chief Rehabilitation Therapist and "Big Brother", he delivered his final verdict.
"All your plans are good, all your intentions are for Rice Shower"
He first acknowledged their efforts, then changed the subject.
"However, all of you are acting rashly"
"What Rice Shower needs most right now is not to immediately start high-intensity physical training, nor to immediately instill confidence in her with stimulating music, much less to adjust her body with cold data"
He paused, and his voice became softer but firmer, touching everyone's hearts word for word.
"What she needs is peace"
"It is a night... in which she can completely relax, have the certainty that she is safe, protected, and without anyone disturbing her"
He looked at Gold City, TM Opera O, Agnes Tachyon, and finally, Manhattan Cafe, with eyes full of unshakeable determination.
"Therefore—"
He made the final decision that drove the four women the craziest
"Tonight, all 'rehabilitation treatment programs' for Rice Shower will be solely and entirely my responsibility, Hoshi Kaito's"
"I thank you all for your kindness on behalf of Rice Shower"
"But now, please, allow my patient, who is also my 'little sister', to rest well"
This was an unequivocal "order to leave"
It was a declaration that justly used his special status as "Big Brother" to exclude all competitors!
Gold City grit her teeth in anger, but she simply could not refute the reason: "let the patient rest well"
TM Opera O's fan fluttered rapidly; although she still had a smile, everyone could see the sharp edge hidden inside.
Agnes Tachyon pushed up her glasses and murmured that "monopolizing the experimental subject violates the spirit of scientific sharing", but she did not insist further on the matter.
Meanwhile, Manhattan Cafe looked at Kaito, then at Rice Shower hiding behind him, and silently put away her sketchbook.
Finally, under Kaito's undeniable gaze, the four reluctant "Big Sisters" could only leave the infirmary angrily, looking back repeatedly as they went.
Before leaving, they did not forget to give Kaito a fierce look of warning, while simultaneously launching a silent threat at the apparently fragile "victor" cowering behind him.
The infirmary door finally closed.
The entire world fell silent.
In the room, finally, only Kaito and Rice Shower remained.
Rice Shower looked at the man who had just driven away those four legendary and terrifying figures in a dominant way for her.
Her eyes, fresh from being washed with tears, overflowed with the purest admiration and gratitude, like those of a small animal.
"He... is so amazing"
Kaito observed her adorable appearance and couldn't help but reach out and affectionately ruffle her hair, giving her a kind smile tinged with mischief.
"It's okay, now finally no one will disturb us"
He leaned close to her ear and whispered in an ambiguous and breathy voice that only the two of them could hear:
"Tonight's 'special treatment'..."
"Is about to officially begin"
...
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