Netori: I Shall Steal All Of My Enemies' Women For Revenge!

"Did you see how the divers slow-danced with the lemon shark? It was so cool and cute, right?"

Chiyo said, her voice bubbling with excitement as she scooped up another bite of the vibrant blue karee on her plate.

The rice, shaped like a playful dolphin, added an extra touch of charm to their meal.

Haruto nodded, though he hadn't paid much attention to the show. His gaze lingered on Chiyo's animated expression instead.

"Yep, super cute," he replied, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

They were seated in a cozy corner of the aquarium café, surrounded by towering tanks filled with shimmering fish.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The ambient light from the tanks cast a serene glow over their table, painting their surroundings with shades of blue and green.

"Thank you for bringing me here, Haruto," Chiyo said, her voice softening as she glanced around the magical space.

"This place is beautiful."

Haruto leaned back slightly, resting his chin on his hand as he watched her. "You don't need to thank me," he said with an easy grin.

"It was your idea too, remember?"

Chiyo smiled, warmth spreading across her face, but her thoughts wandered elsewhere. In her mind, the date's natural conclusion was clear—they would undoubtedly end up at a hotel later, as they always did.

The thought made her heart flutter, making her impatient.

Meanwhile, Haruto's attention shifted to a child wearing a shark-shaped beanie at a nearby table. The sight reminded him of Asuka's request.

"Let's check out the merch store after this," he said suddenly.

"I almost forgot about the Ponpon plushie she wanted."

Chiyo nodded, finishing the last bite of her karee. As they rose and headed to the store, Haruto added, "I should grab something for Haruka, too. She'd look adorable with something cute from here."

The aquarium's official store was a treasure trove of sea-themed merchandise, from plushies to keychains to bandanas shaped like marine animals.

Haruto's eyes landed on a jellyfish keychain—the same jellyfish Chiyo had admired earlier. He picked it up and handed it to her.

"You might like this," he said.

Chiyo's face lit up as she took the keychain. "Oh, it's the jellyfish!" she exclaimed, turning it over in her hands.

"Look, there's even a lamp in the same design! It'd be perfect for my room." She quickly added the lamp to her growing collection of finds.

They continued exploring the store, Chiyo darting from shelf to shelf like a kid in a candy shop.

Haruto paused in front of a plushie shaped like a baby seal, its soft white fur and round eyes reminding him of Haruka.

He picked up the largest one, almost as big as his torso.

"She'll love it," Chiyo said with a knowing smile.

"You know how much she adores cute things. Oh, and look!" She pointed to a display of knitting kits featuring mascot designs. "You should grab a couple of these too."

Haruto nodded, adding a few to their basket. Meanwhile, Chiyo's excitement showed no signs of slowing down.

She moved quickly through the store, collecting trinkets and plushies until her arms were full.

When she spotted a hat shaped like an octopus, complete with long, dangling legs, her eyes sparkled mischievously.

Without hesitation, she placed the hat on Haruto's head and stepped back, laughing. "Oh my, it suits you perfectly!"

Haruto raised an eyebrow, glancing at his reflection in a nearby mirror. The hat's tentacles draped over his shoulders like long, wavy hair.

"Hm… really? Then I'll take it," he said with a playful smirk, earning another burst of laughter from Chiyo.

As they continued browsing, Haruto searched for the Ponpon plushie Asuka had specifically requested.

However, they only found smaller versions. Finally, he approached a staff member to inquire.

"Ah, the Ponpon plushie is exclusive to our penguin area," the staff explained with a polite smile. "You'll need to participate in our game there to win one."

Haruto sighed, a sense of inevitability washing over him. "I knew it. She's totally messing with me," he muttered, already imagining Asuka's teasing smirk when he returned.

They made their way into the penguin exhibit, where a lively crowd, especially children, gathered around the performance stage.

The staff had mentioned that this show was a massive hit with kids, who loved watching the penguins slide, jump, and waddle through hoops.

Apparently, the show had grown so popular that it even aired live on television.

As the performance neared its grand finale, the staff began a coordinated routine with the penguins dancing in sync.

The atmosphere grew even more festive when the crowd erupted in cheers at the sight of the mascot, Ponpon, waddling onto the stage in his oversized penguin costume.

Suddenly, the announcer's voice boomed through the speakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, and especially kids!" His tone was playful and animated.

"It's time for the Ponpon Penguin Yel-Yel! Are you ready to cheer with Ponpon and his penguin pals?"

The children screamed with delight, their small hands already raised in excitement.

"Now, for those who want a special edition Ponpon plushie…" The announcer grinned.

"Come up on stage and join us for the yel-yel! The three with the most spirit will take home the prize!"

Haruto froze. His face twisted in horror, while Chiyo stood beside him, stifling her laughter behind her hand..

"H-Haruto… you really don't have to do this," Chiyo whispered, though her shoulders trembled as she tried to keep a straight face.

Haruto let out a long, suffering sigh. "It's fine. Asuka will definitely give me something else to deal with if I don't get that plushie for her."

His voice was flat, his expression deadpan as he shuffled toward the stage like a man walking to his doom.

His gait was slow and heavy, his steps dragging as if every fiber of his being resisted the humiliation ahead.

As he climbed onto the stage, the announcer beamed. "Oh! Look at this brave soul joining us! We've got an interesting contestant here!"

He motioned for Haruto to take his place next to two overly enthusiastic kids.

"Alright, let's see that spirit! Remember, only three of you will get the Ponpon special edition plushie!"

Haruto sighed internally. 'Fucking hell… just get this over with.'

"Now, everyone! Follow Ponpon's lead!" The announcer clapped his hands in rhythm. "Start with a clap! Like this!"

Ponpon flapped his oversized wings dramatically, clapping along to the beat.

The children clapped with joy, and even Haruto joined in, albeit reluctantly. His hands moved stiffly, his face already turning red.

"Now stomp your feet!" the announcer encouraged.

Ponpon's large, padded feet slapped the stage, sending thuds reverberating through the area.

Haruto followed, stomping half-heartedly at first, but the announcer kept upping the energy.

"And now… the yel-yel!" The announcer raised his hand dramatically. "Repeat after me!"

"PONPON POWER!"

"PONPON POWER!" the children shouted in unison, their high-pitched voices echoing.

"With the power of Pon, we save the ocean!"

"With the power of Pon, we save the ocean!"

Haruto muttered softly, his voice barely audible. His embarrassment was palpable.

The announcer wasn't satisfied. "I can't hear you, my friend! Louder!"

Haruto clenched his fists, his patience wearing thin. After a few more rounds of chanting, he finally snapped.

"PONPON POWER! WITH THE POWER OF PON, WE SAVE THE OCEAN!" he yelled at the top of his lungs, his voice ringing louder than anyone else's.

"WOW! Look at that spirit!" The announcer grinned, clearly pleased. "Now let's see who gets the plushie…"

Ponpon waddled over to Haruto, carrying a giant plushie nearly the size of a child, and handed it to him.

Haruto accepted it with a resigned sigh. Finally.

As he stepped down from the stage, he made a beeline for Chiyo, who was doubled over, laughing uncontrollably.

Her face was red, and she had to wipe tears from her eyes.

"Oh my God…" she gasped, trying to catch her breath. "Furukawa really got you this time, didn't she?"

"Ck, that Asuka… isn't this going too far?" Haruto frowned, hugging the massive plushie to his chest.

"No way!" Chiyo grinned. "You looked adorable up there. Look—" She held up her phone, showing him a video she'd taken.

Haruto's face darkened. "You… recorded that?"

"Of course I did!" Chiyo laughed again. "This is gold."

Before Haruto could respond, his gaze suddenly shifted past her, locking onto two familiar figures in the distance.

His playful expression vanished, replaced by a dark scowl.

"Isn't that… Ayaka and…" His eyes narrowed. "That damned Ren."