"So now, the only problem is..."
A trace of distress crossed Cloud's face.
"Who should I find to be my two... accessory teammates?"
He couldn't just register alone, right? That would be too "antisocial."
Kyo Kusanagi? No good—he needed to represent the Japan Team and defend the "protagonist's" dignity.
Terry? Ryo Sakazaki? They all had their own teams.
Thinking it over, Cloud realized he'd once again become a "lone wolf."
[Ding! Detected host is troubled over team formation. System's considerate assistance function now online!]
[This system has specially procured from the dimensional black market two brand new—[Limited-Time Special Random Teammate Summoning Cards]!]
[Original price 20,000! Purchase now, not 998! Not even 888! Just... 30... 98! Only 98 Source Points each! Truly rock-bottom pricing! Buy now, profit guaranteed!]
The system's extremely "TV shopping"-style, highly inflammatory voice rang madly in Cloud's mind.
"98 each?" Suspicion flashed in Cloud's eyes. "This cheap? There's not... something fishy going on here, right? Last time those two, while fierce, one was emotionless and the other an airhead. Communicating with them nearly gave me split personalities."
[Host, please trust this system's credibility!] The system's voice rang with righteous indignation.
[This special price card is absolutely worth every penny! Though... there may be a tiny... little surprise, it will definitely satisfy all your fantasies about teammates!]
"All my fantasies?" Cloud's interest was instantly piqued.
He recalled those anime and novels from his past life, the protagonist's teammates—
Either "strategist-type" beauties with superior intelligence.
Or "big sister-type" fighters with explosive figures.
Or gentle, caring "healer-type" support.
"Fine! I'll buy them!"
Cloud gritted his teeth and with a grand wave bought two cards.
"System, use them! Quick! Let me see who my dream teammates are this time!"
[Ding! [Limited-Time Special Random Teammate Summoning Card] x2, used!]
[Teammate information generating... coordinates locating...]
[Estimated arrival time: Tomorrow morning.]
Thinking about how he'd soon have two "fair-skinned, beautiful, long-legged" powerful teammates, he couldn't help but excitedly rub his hands together.
He'd even started mentally rehearsing what pose to use tomorrow when welcoming his new team members.
A handsome "wall slam"?
Or a gentle "head pat"?
...
Kusanagi Castle, an uneventful night.
Early the next morning, Cloud was "handsomely" awakened by his heart that was practically leaping from his throat with excitement.
For once, he didn't laze in bed but got up early instead.
First he showered, changed into form-fitting training clothes that best accentuated his "broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs," then spent a full ten minutes carefully styling his hair in front of the mirror, even sneaking some of Kyo's expensive cologne.
No helping it.
Just thinking that today he'd welcome two brand new, mysterious, powerful, and very likely "fair-skinned, beautiful, long-legged" teammates made him... unable to contain his surging emotions.
"System, you better not screw me over."
While practicing what he considered his most "wickedly charming" smile in the mirror, he silently prayed.
"These teammates, even if they're not big sisters, at least they should be soft girls, right? You can't possibly... give me two more emotionless girls or airheads, can you?"
[Host, please have 120% confidence in this system.] The system's voice brimmed with confidence.
[This batch of teammates will absolutely bring you a... lifetime unforgettable surprise.]
For some reason, hearing the word "surprise," Cloud's right eyelid began twitching uncontrollably.
...
9:00 AM sharp.
Knock knock knock.
A crisp, polite knocking sounded right on time.
They're here!
Cloud took a deep breath, adjusted his collar, then struck that "perfect" 45-degree profile pose he'd practiced all morning and slowly opened the door.
"Hello, I'm..."
His magnetically voiced greeting was only half-spoken before... it got stuck.
Because standing outside wasn't some "mysterious beautiful girl" he'd imagined.
But rather... an all-too-familiar "little troublemaker."
There stood Kusanagi Aoi—the little devil of the Kusanagi family—wearing a self-modified "lolita-style" Kusanagi family uniform full of lace and bows, standing excitedly at his door!
Those bright eyes like black gemstones sparkled with the cunning light of "successful mischief."
Her jet-black, lustrous hair was tied into cute twin tails that swayed playfully as her head bobbed.
Seeing Cloud's dumbstruck, as-if-he'd-seen-a-ghost expression, she couldn't hold back any longer. With a squeal, like a koala, she pounced up and tightly hugged Cloud's neck!
"Surprise! Cloud-oniisan!"
Her voice was full of bell-like laughter and smug "surprised? unexpected?" energy!
"Starting today, I, Kusanagi Aoi, am your teammate! Happy? Excited?!"
Happy?
Excited?
No!
Only shock and horror!
Cloud held this "octopus" girl clinging to him, feeling his worldview crumble in this moment.
...
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