Yuuna's Desperate Bargain
Yuuna Shrine Maiden was finally able to return to Japan as evening fell. The Japanese airport was pure pandemonium. Everyone was screaming, laden with luggage, desperate to flee the country. The aftermath of the previous Behemoth incident had been devastating. It was such a massive event that containing the information was impossible. Though they'd barely held it off at the cost of countless magical girls' lives, the gate hadn't disappeared. Every Japanese person knew there was no power left to stop another Behemoth if it emerged from that gate again.
On top of that, somehow the news had spread that all requests for foreign aid had failed. Magical girls and hunters from every other country had refused to face the Behemoth, and their nations were reluctant to lose their valuable assets. It made sense. After all, it was that Behemoth—the one whose brutal dismemberment of their side's champion had gone viral in videos. With no foreign help forthcoming and no strength left in Japan alone, the people had realized the truth and begun fleeing en masse.
Creak. She slipped carefully into the pitch-black main hall. In the spotless darkness, free of even a speck of dust, Yuuna knelt calmly at the center. Her hair and tails began to glow softly. Closing her eyes, she clasped her hands tightly and offered her prayer. But there was no response.
"God... what should I do?"
The hall remained silent to Yuuna's question.
Aiya.
"God...!" Yuuna's head snapped up as she gazed at the statue she'd crafted in her god's image.
I'm sorry.
"No! God, it's our failing—our lack of strength..." Yuuna shook her head, denying the apology.
To resolve this disaster, there's no other way but that man. Are you prepared?
"For you, God, I've borne everything. If you permit it..."
Aiya. I am always grateful for you.
Yuuna listened quietly to the voice, warm with embracing energy and gratitude.
Thank you for preserving your virginity for me. But now Japan's very survival hangs in the balance.
Nod.
Does losing your virginity mean your faith in me shatters?
"No! I will pray to you and believe in you for the rest of my life!"
Thank you. Virginity is merely a symbol of proof, and you've proven yourself countless times. I have no doubt.
Yuuna failed to notice how excited her god's voice sounded, more than ever before.
"Ahh... God... I will protect Japan, no matter what."
I love you, my child.
Whoosh. As the divine presence filling the room faded, Yuuna opened her eyes. They burned with resolve. Rising from her spot, she called for Sakura. It was time to head to Korea.
Having swiftly prepared for the trip, Yuuna hurried straight to the airport.
==
Yuuna Shrine Maiden and Sakura Shrine Maiden stood in the Black Tree Guild conference room. Moments later, Hunter Kwon Yong-jin entered. How much stronger has he grown in that short time? The aura he exuded was even more intense. Sakura, now somewhat accustomed, clung tightly to Yuuna Shrine Maiden's hand without fainting.
Kwon Yong-jin glanced at the two shrine maidens staring at him and smiled. The moment he sat on the sofa, Yuuna Shrine Maiden dropped to her knees before him.
"Lady Yuuna!"
Sakura gasped in shock at the sight. Kwon Yong-jin chuckled, sipping the tea Kang Hae-bin had prepared in advance, using the pitiful gaze of the kneeling Yuuna Shrine Maiden as his appetizer.
"Why'd you come crawling back when you said you didn't need help?"
Kwon Yong-jin teased her mockingly, a playful glint in his eye. He already knew: nearly half of Japan's magical girls were dead, and every plea for aid from other countries had been rejected. With no other options left, Yuuna Shrine Maiden had come to him as a last resort.
Even as he sneered at her, she suppressed her emotions and spoke.
"Please save Japan. You're the only one who can, Hunter Kwon Yong-jin."
"Even if it means selling your body?"
"...Yes. God has given permission. Losing my body doesn't mean losing my heart."
Kwon Yong-jin burst out laughing at her words.
"But didn't everyone warn you?"
"Warn me about what?"
"That next time, it won't end with just you."
Yuuna Shrine Maiden gritted her teeth.
"This request is too big for just you anyway."
Seeing his gaze shift to the fidgeting Sakura beside her, she shouted.
"D-don't look at Sakura like that!!!"
She jumped up, pulling Sakura behind her and glaring at Kwon Yong-jin with murderous intent.
"Lady Yuuna..."
Sakura flinched at the killing intent spilling from Yuuna but held tight to her hand, knowing it was for her sake. Yet Sakura understood what Kwon Yong-jin meant. She was a full adult, after all. Knowing the anguish Yuuna had endured, Sakura gently released her hand.
"Sakura?"
Stepping out from behind Yuuna, Sakura walked forward and knelt before Kwon Yong-jin, pressing her forehead to the floor.
"Sakura!"
"Hunter Kwon Yong-jin. Will you be satisfied with just my body? Lady Yuuna is beloved by God. She must cherish hers."
"Ho ho."
Kwon Yong-jin eyed the dogeza posture with interest. Realizing she'd caught his attention, Sakura pressed on. Crawling forward almost to the floor, she brushed her lips lightly against his shoe-clad foot.
"Do whatever you want with me instead. Can you end it with just me?"
"No! Sakura!"
As Yuuna moved in horror to pull her up—
Thud! A massive surge of mana froze Yuuna Shrine Maiden in place. Kwon Yong-jin had casually raised one arm toward her.
"Really? Anything goes?"
"...Yes."
"No regrets? Even if you can never return to Japan?"
"...If my one body can save Japan."
Sakura now lifted her head, meeting Kwon Yong-jin's eyes. After scrutinizing her gaze for a long moment, he laughed heartily, amused.
"Deal."
"...Thank you. ...Master."
"Alright then, transform for me. Oh, wait—one sec."
Yuuna glared at him with an expression like she wanted to kill him and everyone in the world.
"This negotiation went great. Head back to Japan first and wait. I'll handle the gate problem nicely."
Fwoosh! With a flick of his hand, the frozen Yuuna vanished.
"Don't worry—I sent her to Japan."
With Yuuna gone, he stroked the anxious Sakura's head reassuringly.
"Now, let's see that transformation."
Nod. Sakura nodded timidly, her body glowing as the transformation completed.
"Whoa, I was just thinking of getting a pet, and here's a cute little kitty."
As Kwon Yong-jin had guessed, Sakura was a cat beastkin. Short black hair, gentle cat-like features with perky ears atop her head. Her shyly swishing tail and petite frame suited the adorable miko outfit perfectly—it was irresistibly cute.
How should I break her? I want to shatter Yuuna completely.
==
Fwoosh!
"Lady Yuuna?!"
Her vision spun wildly before the space around her shifted to her shrine. It took Yuuna a moment to process.
"Husina Shrine...?"
"Lady Yuuna, how? I thought you were in Korea?"
Before her stood Yui, the wolf beastkin magical girl missing one eye and one arm.
"........."
Yuuna was speechless. Teleportation. She knew the ability well—Sakura had it too. But the conditions were strict, and the range limited. Continental travel? And teleporting someone else, not herself? Yuuna was stunned by Kwon Yong-jin's impossible power.
"Lady Yuuna... what about Sakura?"
"...!"
At Yui's words, Yuuna realized why she'd been teleported away. Head bowed, she said nothing.
"Lady Yuuna?"
==
Sakura was being petted in Kwon Yong-jin's arms. Contrary to her fears of some horrific fate, being treated like a real pet left her bewildered.
"Um..."
"Yeah?"
"N-nothing."
As Kwon Yong-jin glanced at her curiously from his TV movie, she backpedaled.
"But."
"Hyah!"
Her face twisted as he suddenly gripped her breast hard after only petting her head.
"Why's my pet talking like a person?"
"Hiiik...!"
Kwon Yong-jin smiled. It wasn't a friendly smile—it was laced with killing intent.
"Nya, nyaaang..."
Only then did he release the pressure, smiling in satisfaction as she mimicked a cat's meow. Stroking her head again, he brought his lips to her trembling cat ear and whispered.
"Speak like a human one more time, and I'll make sure you never can again. Got it?"
