Nanase leaned back in the chair, trying to catch his breath after the whirlwind that was his first task. The chaos of Totoko's shop and his bizarre encounter with Iyami and Chibita had left him utterly exhausted. Just as he began to relax, Osomatsu clapped his hands loudly, shattering the brief moment of peace.
Osomatsu (grinning): Alright, Shichi-kun! Time for phase two!
The loud announcement cut through the room like a game show buzzer. Immediately, the other brothers perked up with a shared mix of curiosity and chaotic anticipation.
Haruto (weary): Phase two? What now? You already made me run through Totoko's shop like it was a battlefield.
Osomatsu (waving dismissively): That was just a warm-up.
With exaggerated flair, Osomatsu turned toward Ichimatsu, pointing with mock drama.
Osomatsu (grinning): Ichi, your turn.
Ichimatsu had been sitting quietly with a cat purring softly in his lap. At the mention of his name, he gently lifted the feline and set it down, his eyes narrowing with quiet intent. There was a subtle shift in the room's energy—less noisy, more focused.
Ichimatsu (flatly): Survival, huh? Let's see if you can handle... the cat test.
Haruto (confused): The what?
Ichimatsu (stoic): The cat test. Cats don't trust just anyone. If you can win over my cats, then maybe—maybe—you're trustworthy enough to be part of this family.
Haruto looked between Ichimatsu and the now-motionless cat sitting in the center of the room. The feline's yellow eyes were locked onto him with a level of judgment he hadn't even seen from Totoko.
Haruto (uncertain): That's it? I just have to... pet a cat?
The brothers couldn't hold back their laughter. Jyushimatsu bounced on his feet, barely containing his excitement.
Jyushimatsu (teasing): It's not as easy as it sounds, Haru-kun!
Todomatsu (smirking): Ichi's cats don't even like us. Good luck.
Haruto gave a slow blink as Ichimatsu crouched nearby, wordlessly signaling the test had begun. The cat's tail flicked sharply once, its gaze cold and unreadable.
Ichimatsu (calm): Go ahead.
Swallowing hard, Haruto crouched low and extended a slow, cautious hand toward the cat.
Haruto (softly): Hey there, little guy...
Before he could finish his sentence, the cat hissed and swiped at his hand, barely missing his fingers. Haruto yelped, pulling back with a wince as his heart jumped into his throat. He adjusted his glasses and forced a nervous chuckle.
Haruto (sarcastic): Seriously? If I knew joining this family meant surviving clawed death traps, I might've stayed outside.
The brothers howled with laughter. Jyushimatsu collapsed into a heap, clutching his stomach, while Osomatsu leaned in smugly.
Osomatsu (grinning): Guest? Haru-kun, you're family now. That means no special treatment.
Ichimatsu (deadpan): That's one strike.
Haruto (frowning): Are you serious? It just tried to kill me.
Ichimatsu (shrugging): Figure it out. That's the test.
Osomatsu leaned toward Choromatsu, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear.
Osomatsu (mischievous): I give him two minutes before he gives up.
The brothers chuckled again, adding fuel to the fire. Haruto adjusted his glasses, exhaled slowly, and dropped to a seated kneel. He wasn't about to let them win—not after Totoko, not after Chibita and Iyami, and definitely not after the oden incident.
Quietly, he reached into the snack bag he had brought back earlier. After rummaging for a moment, he pulled out a small dried fish snack. Holding it gently in his palm, he leaned forward with slow, deliberate movement.
The cat's ears twitched. Its eyes locked onto the fish. The room grew deathly silent.
Everyone watched.
After a long, tense pause, the cat sniffed the air... then cautiously padded forward. Haruto remained perfectly still. The cat leaned in, then gently took the dried fish from his hand and sat back, munching contentedly like it hadn't just tried to scratch his soul out moments ago.
Ichimatsu's brows raised slightly—a rare flicker of surprise. A quiet nod followed, along with the faintest curve of a smile.
Ichimatsu (softly): Huh. Not bad.
Haruto finally exhaled and sat back, rubbing the back of his neck as the adrenaline left his body.
Haruto (relieved): Phase two complete!
Osomatsu (arms crossed): Alright, alright... I'll give you that one. But don't get cocky—we've still got more chaos lined up.
Haruto (groaning): Of course you do...
End Of Chapter 3
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[Completed!] Osomatsu-san: Our 7th Brother?! (Fanfiction Story Movie)
FanfictionThe Matsuno brothers are thrown into chaos when Haruto, their 7th adopted sibling, unexpectedly arrives to join their eccentric household. Unlike his six older brothers, Haruto's calm demeanor, sharp intelligence, and distinct style make him stand o...
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