"I want to improve."
The words from Nino caught everyone off guard — not just Makoto, but her three sisters as well.
"Why the sudden declaration?" asked Yotsuba.
Miku also stared at her, confused, her look practically saying, Did you eat something weird?
Only Itsuki seemed thoughtful. A few seconds later, she said, "Is it because Ichika is progressing forward?"
This time, Nino didn't hide it, though she didn't tell the full truth either.
"Not just Ichika. You too, Itsuki. The other day you said your math had improved a lot — even if you credit Yukinoshita for it…"
The more she spoke, the clearer her thoughts became. Her eyes scanned her sisters' mixed expressions before landing back on Makoto.
"I know Itsuki wouldn't lie about something like that. Which means, in what's supposed to be our united group, two of us are quietly improving."
Makoto interjected, "I don't think it's 'quietly.' Ichika and Itsuki have been working hard — that's obvious."
Nino agreed openly. "Exactly. I've seen their effort. But I can't just sit by and let them leave me behind. I won't allow it!"
She raised her voice at the end, clearly mimicking the kind of speeches Makoto gave before filming began.
In fact, she was indeed imitating him.
But through that imitation, she conveyed her feelings naturally and calmly.
"Ooh! It suddenly feels like we're in a shonen manga," Yotsuba said, pumping a little fist.
Nino turned to Miku. "What about you, Miku?"
Miku met her gaze. "I feel like you're implying something, but… you're right about one thing."
Then she looked at Makoto, hesitant.
He understood. "Remember what we talked about before? Your ideas might be unique — and everyone needs to hear your voice."
Miku's eyes sparkled as she firmed up her stance.
"The five of us are one group — only together are we the five girls of the Nakano family. If you really want to tutor us and help us improve, I'll cooperate."
Just like Nino, she didn't want to be left behind by Ichika and Itsuki either.
"Count me in too!" Yotsuba said, standing up.
Makoto nodded — a pleasant surprise.
Originally, he'd wanted to use the [Nino's Gift] buff to tutor all five sisters.
But now, Nino's maneuver had lit a fire in Miku and Yotsuba too.
Makoto was glad he had encouraged Miku before — and had done it in front of her sisters.
Otherwise, she might not have agreed so easily.
He motioned for them to sit, then looked to Nino. "Of course I'm happy to help. But Nino — what's your plan?"
"Eh?"
Nino froze.
Plan?
She didn't have one.
She had just blurted out her desire to improve in a heat-of-the-moment confession.
She hadn't really thought about a concrete plan or short-term goal.
"Nino, don't tell me you haven't thought this through at all?" Miku said.
Just as Nino was getting embarrassed, Makoto cut in,
"Of course she's thought about it — like using improved grades to show her progress. But since Ichika's shining in a different field, she's wondering which path to take."
"Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking…"
Nino blushed and shot Makoto a grateful smile.
He followed up smoothly. "There's no rush. You can take your time. Just improving your grades is already progress."
"I get it now."
Nino relaxed when Miku turned her gaze away.
I almost embarrassed myself there.
Thank goodness Makoto covered for me.
But…
Nino bit her lip, her sense of frustration only deepening.
The more Makoto took care of her, the more bitter she felt about Ichika stealing a march.
I need to find a chance to strike back!
She made up her mind.
Makoto noticed Nino's changing expressions.
He could tell what she was thinking.
Helping Nino improve wasn't difficult. She had talent in many areas — cooking, homemaking, fashion…
Now that she was showing a willingness to cooperate, Makoto was happy to help.
He hadn't forgotten the promise he made to Nakano Maruo.
So, the five of them went to the Nakano living room — and there lay Ichika, sprawled out on the couch in total relaxation. Before she could say a word, Nino spoke first.
"After careful discussion, we've decided to improve our grades together."
Plop.
The cookie in Ichika's hand fell.
She had been lying on her back, and the raised cookie slipped, smacking her in the face. She let out an "Ah!"
But she didn't sit up — just stayed there, lazy as ever, and picked up a new cookie.
That classic lazy-girl pose made everyone, including Makoto, struggle not to crack up.
"Ichika! Can you please act like a proper older sister? You're a girl! Do you even know what that means?"
Nino snapped, unable to take it anymore. She stormed over, picked up the fallen cookie, and tugged Ichika's clothes, forcing her upright.
Miku and the others had the urge to cover their faces — their big sister was such a disgrace.
Makoto chuckled.
But neither of the two girls had guarded their posture while Nino tugged Ichika's clothes.
He, however, remained calm.
After all, he'd already seen everything that needed seeing.
Not only had he seen it—he had checked it, too.
How could he possibly lose his composure over something so minor?
After Ichika sat up, she looked surprised and asked, "Nino, you were joking just now, right?"
"I'm not joking," Nino replied with a completely serious face.
Ichika turned her head to look at Miku.
Miku gave a slight nod in response.
Then she looked at Yotsuba, who scratched her cheek with an embarrassed smile.
"Even though I know I'm a total idiot when it comes to studying, since Nino and the others have already taken the lead, I've decided to give it a shot too."
As for Itsuki...
Ichika didn't even bother to ask.
That one's a heavyweight. She had already been captivated by Yukino's charm long ago and now consults her whenever she has a free moment.
Ichika sighed helplessly. "So there's really no turning back now?"
Makoto gave her an answer. "You've got to step up too, Ichika."
Ichika sighed again, looked up, and stared pitifully at Nino. "Nino, can we call a truce?"
"You've got to be kidding me right now!"
Nino had just hardened her resolve. There was no way she'd waver.
Besides, knowing Ichika, even if she acted like she wanted to make peace now, once things calmed down, she'd definitely go back on her word.
"I get it. So there's no escaping this, huh?"
Ichika flopped weakly onto the sofa.
The good mood she had after successfully pulling off her sneak attack was now gone.
Studying gave her a headache just thinking about it.
Especially when she remembered how Yukino used to force her to go through problems every day.
When she refused to listen, Yukino would give her a death stare. It was terrifying.
Now that the most resistant one—Icchika—was dealt with, Nino's mood improved a bit. Since it wasn't mealtime yet, she casually started talking about what she saw on set today.
"Kasumigaoka-senpai was there too?"
Ichika looked surprised, but in her heart, her "vixen radar" was already quietly activating.
Makoto was just about to respond when Nino jumped in first.
"Yep, senpai even asked why you weren't there today. And in the end, she asked Makoto for help—he took a couple of photos of her with the crew as a keepsake."
Huh?
Nino's making moves?
Makoto was a little surprised.
He had thought Nino might be discouraged and give up, or at least be mentally deflated for a while.
But not only had the girl set a goal for self-improvement, she even used this opportunity to subtly redirect Ichika's attention by simply stating facts.
"I see."
Ichika's attention really was diverted. She wore a thoughtful expression. "I have talked with senpai a few times, but if we're being honest, I'm not really close to her."
"Maybe she got interested because you're a high school student working part-time as an actress?" Itsuki guessed.
Ichika shook her head. "Our filming's been going on for quite a while. If she were really interested in me, she would've come to me a long time ago."
As she said this, her gaze landed on Makoto.
She didn't say anything aloud, but her look said it all: Senpai is there for you.
With Nino's maneuver, Ichika didn't brag or assert her dominance during dinner.
Everyone enjoyed a pleasant meal together.
After Makoto helped clean up the table, just as he walked into the kitchen with a stack of plates, Nino—wearing sleeves over her arms—suddenly asked, "You're staying over tonight too, right?"
"If it's not bothering you all, I'd be glad to," Makoto replied with a smile.
Nino didn't pursue the topic further.
As she placed the plates into the sink, she asked, "You still have two favor coupons with me and Itsuki. Have you decided what you want us to do?"
"Honestly, not really."
"Well, now's a good time to think about it."
"So soon?"
"What, did you think the coupons were valid forever? That'd be kind of unfair, wouldn't it?"
Nino had clearly prepared this line ahead of time.
Makoto could tell she was still upset over the whole Ichika situation.
He thought for a moment and said, "If I have to say something, I still haven't come up with anything I need from you two."
"How about a massage?" Nino suddenly suggested. "You've given me massages to help me relax so many times, I've actually picked up a few things."
Makoto raised a skeptical eyebrow. "You know how to do that?"
Nino seemed annoyed by his reaction and pouted, "Just for that look, I have to show you today."
"All right then."
After reaching an agreement, Makoto left the kitchen.
Nino watched his back, eyes glittering.
The girl had found her opening—she was ready to strike.
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