Since they had come to the amusement park, naturally they were going to have a good time.
Having returned to the modern world after a long time, Rimuru, though fully aware that the rides weren't really thrilling for him, still screamed and shouted along with the other visitors.
This, however, was a bit tough on those accompanying him, like Hikigaya Hachiman and the others.
Hikigaya Hachiman was fine.
With the blessing of spiritual power, even after experiencing more than ten exciting rides such as the giant pendulum, roller coaster, and death plunge, his face was only a bit pale.
But Yotsuya Miko and the Yukinoshita sisters were completely different.
At this moment, usually lively Haruno was lying on a bench by the roadside, looking at Rimuru buying cotton candy not far away, her expression one of disbelief at life.
Meanwhile, Yotsuya Miko had just hit the ground and hurriedly rushed to the restroom, covering her mouth in distress.
Yukinoshita Yukino's condition was somewhat better than Miko's, but she was still holding onto a tree trunk and retching for a long time.
Her originally pale skin now revealed a sickly whiteness.
Hikigaya Hachiman was the first to recover from his weakness.
Seeing Yukino looking so uncomfortable, he went over, intending to use his spiritual power to ease her condition.
Yukino avoided Hachiman's outstretched hand, took a few steps back to put some distance between them, crossed her arms, and asked the question she had been holding back for a long time.
"What exactly is your relationship with Yotsuya-san?"
"We're just ordinary friends."
Hachiman answered without hesitation.
"But you two seem very close?"
Yukino was not satisfied with Hachiman's answer.
She didn't recall normal friends inviting each other to the amusement park on weekends, especially with only one guy among them.
"Sorry, but due to some special reasons, I can't tell you the whole truth. But I do have contact with Yotsuya-san to help her."
Hachiman's explanation immediately made Yukino think of Otani Kazuki from a few days ago.
Although she still didn't fully understand what those two really were, they were definitely supernatural beings.
"So Yotsuya-san is also being followed by something similar to Otani Kazuki?"
Yukino bluntly voiced her speculation.
But as soon as she said it, she regretted it.
What was wrong with her recently?
Just moments ago, Hachiman had said he couldn't reveal the reason because of confidentiality, yet here she was asking so directly...
As Yukino had guessed, even if her speculation was correct, Hachiman still didn't give her a definite answer.
"By the way, while you were away, something happened in the service club."
Hachiman didn't want to discuss Yotsuya Miko too much, so to divert Yukino's attention, he immediately brought up Yui Yuigahama.
"You mean she came to the service club again on Friday?"
As expected, once Yuigahama's name was mentioned, Yukino's focus immediately shifted.
Especially when she heard that Yuigahama had prepared a bag of small cookies as a thank-you gift, Hachiman could clearly feel Yukino's body tremble slightly.
It was obvious Yuigahama's cookies had strong intimidation power.
"Sorry for keeping everyone waiting..."
During their conversation, Rimuru returned carrying five cotton candies.
"Huh, where's Yotsuya-san?"
After distributing the cotton candies one by one, Rimuru noticed that Yotsuya Miko was missing.
"She's in the restroom, I'll go get her..."
Naturally, Yukino handed the cotton candy to Hachiman for safekeeping, then said this before hurrying off toward the restroom.
Haruno sat quietly on the bench, watching this scene without saying a word.
Not long after, Rimuru finished his share of the cotton candy.
Encouraged by Haruno, Rimuru handed Miko's cotton candy to her and went off alone to try other rides in the park.
"Interested in coming over to chat?"
After sending Rimuru off, Haruno patted the empty seat beside her and invited Hachiman.
Hachiman simply nodded and then calmly sat beside her.
"Is there something you want to talk about?"
Once seated, Hachiman was the first to ask what Haruno wanted to talk about.
"It's rare that Yukino found a friend willing to accept her. As her older sister, naturally I have to keep an eye on things, right?"
Winking playfully at Hachiman, Haruno leaned closer and said.
"So, are you planning to test me to see if I'm worthy to be Yukino's friend?"
Hearing Haruno's words, a hint of displeasure flashed across Hachiman's face.
"Of course not. No matter what kind of friend Yukino has, since she chose them, I won't interfere. But..."
Haruno's expression suddenly turned serious.
"Just because I won't interfere doesn't mean others won't. After all, you must be well aware of the status of the Yukinoshita family in Chiba."
Hachiman was completely unmoved by Haruno's words.
Although the Yukinoshita family was famous in Chiba, in the grand scheme of all Japan, they were just a minor family.
After realizing this world was full of evil spirits everywhere, he simply didn't have any reverence for that family.
"Aren't you at all worried that the Yukinoshita family might target you?"
Haruno was somewhat surprised by Hachiman's indifference.
According to records, Hachiman's family was just ordinary commoners, so facing the Yukinoshita family, his first reaction should be awe or respect, right?
Hachiman showed a strange look on his face upon hearing Haruno's question.
But considering she didn't know his real situation, he relaxed.
Indeed, from Haruno's perspective, Hachiman was just an average student at Sobu High School.
In terms of status, he had no right to be friends with Yukino.
"Alright, judging by your expression, you must have some trump card that makes you unafraid of the Yukinoshita family's influence..."
Haruno perfectly caught the expression on Hachiman's face.
Although she didn't know what gave Hachiman such confidence, she sincerely felt happy for her little sister.