Help! I changed the gender of the male protagonist in the yandere game

Kukutsu Ikki.

Ayaka's older brother. Also, the adoptive brother of the protagonist, Tsukigara Yomei.

He is commonly known online as "Big Bro-in-Law," because a large group of players claim "Ayaka is my wife" or "My little sister is the true love interest." Because of the large number of 'wife' supporters, everyone is used to calling Ikki 'Big Bro-in-Law'.

However, considering his life story, he is also an NPC often ridiculed by players of '朧月之明' (Oborozuki no Mei - Hazy Moon's Light) as 'Tragic Big Bro-in-Law'.

On the other hand, he is also a character in the game who cannot join the player's faction.

To describe Big Bro-in-Law's character, as the game players say, he is, in a word, a 'tragic figure'.

Ikki is one of the two surviving orphans of the Kukutsu clan, adopted by Tsukigara Yomei's father and becoming his adopted son.

He displayed amazing talent from a young age, and as he grew older, he became even more talented, quickly rising to prominence and joining the Imperial Court's 'Twelve Holy Guardians', ranking tenth.

However, Kukutsu Ikki is believed to have coldly watched the crisis when the Tsukigara clan's territory was destroyed, without actively providing assistance.

He is regarded by the branch family and retainers as a 'wolf in sheep's clothing,' 'an ungrateful whelp,' 'someone who forgets his roots after climbing onto the public's branch,' 'a fool who is complacent after marrying the daughter of a noble from the capital'… It can be said that anyone from the Tsukigara clan's faction extremely dislikes Kukutsu Ikki.

Moreover, in the early stages of the game, he appears as a 'pseudo-antagonist,' mocking the protagonist while hindering their actions, giving a very annoying impression.

However, it is only in the later plot that the man's good intentions are revealed. Everything he does has a profound meaning. He is not just foul-mouthed or malicious; he is simply forced to play such a role.

However, he is not willing to accept his fate and is secretly resisting. In other words, he is a character burdened with heavy responsibilities and possessing great resolve.

However, Ikki's ending in the game is not good. He only has bad endings in the game, such as sacrificing himself to block a bullet for the protagonist;

Fighting to the death to hold off a demon king-level powerful enemy alone to save the protagonist's group;

Or dying in a court conspiracy, or willingly dying under the protagonist's sword to save them;

The worst is that in several bad endings, he faces the fate of being separated from his wife and children, and his entire family is tragically murdered.

"A good person, but with no good reward…"

"Big Bro-in-Law is truly a rare gem in this cesspool world filled with scum, yanderes, and clingy women, a world full of landmines. It's a pity that good people don't get good rewards."

"A good older brother, a good colleague, a good husband, a good father, a good son… Except for not being good to himself, Big Bro-in-Law is good in every way."

In the game's storyline, the character of Kukutsu Ikki is portrayed quite well, making him one of the most popular characters in the game.

Whoosh!

A figure knelt at Kukutsu Ikki's feet.

"Lord, those low-level insect demons in the temple have been dealt with… Our people are treating the wounded, and the situation in the temple has been stabilized."

"Good work… Continue with your duties."

Ikki waved his sleeve, and the masked figure mysteriously disappeared, likely using invisibility magic.

"Alright, the outsiders have left. Let's talk about serious matters—"

Kukutsu Ikki must have cast a silencing barrier to block out the surrounding sounds. At the same time, his gaze was fixed on Yomei.

"Were the Masayo King and the Mizutsu Sword taken by you?"

His eyes stared at the girl, extending a hand.

"Give me the sword."

"T-This."

The girl swallowed, lowering her eyes, shrinking like a small animal in front of her older brother.

"N-No… This is Father's sword."

"Wrong, that is the head of the clan's sword."

Kukutsu Ikki said lightly, "Only those who inherit the position of clan head are qualified to wield these two swords. Yomei, in my opinion, you are not suitable to become the head of the Tsukigara clan. Quickly, hand over the sword to me."

"But, I am Father's son."

Yomei's voice was very weak.

Kukutsu Ikki snorted coldly, "I am also Father's son. The Tsukigara clan should be led by someone more suitable to be the head of the clan."

His right hand grabbed in the air. Before Tsukigara Yomei could react, she felt a sucking force that directly pulled up the treasured sword 'Masayo King' from her hand.

Whoosh!

A gust of air flashed, and the sword fell into Kukutsu Ikki's hands.

"Lord Ikki!"

Matsudaira Inomaro shouted.

"What are you planning to do? This is the clan head's sword. Are you planning to rob it?!"

"I am also the clan head's heir."

Ikki said unhurriedly, "Matsudaira, are you senile? Why can't I take the clan head's sword?"

"You?"

The old man Matsudaira didn't know how to respond for a moment.

"Perfect."

Ikki glanced at everyone present.

"Even Miss Tomoe of the Karigane clan, who is the 'acting head', is here. Then, according to the clan's tradition, let's decide who will inherit the position of the next clan head based on strength… Yomei, if you can beat me, then you can be the clan head."

"B-But… Brother…"

The girl bit her lip.

She had often competed with Ikki in swordsmanship since she was a child, and had never won once.

"I…"

"Hmph."

Ikki sensed her hesitation and raised the corner of his lips in mockery.

"Speaking of which, you have never won me in a swordsmanship match. I don't think you have the courage to challenge me. Besides, with your current strength, how could you possibly be my opponent."

His attitude was arrogant and forceful, and even Karigane Tomoe of the branch family raised her eyebrows in anger when she heard his words.

"Ugh…"

She seemed to feel the pressure of his gaze and took a step back.

"That attitude again?"

Ikki frowned, his face filled with extreme displeasure.

"I have always disliked your indecisive appearance. Are you really the child of adoptive father Washizu-sama?"

Being spoken to in such a manner, the girl lowered her head, clutching the sleeve of Hyakusuke beside her like a scolded puppy.

Ikki glanced at Hyakusuke with some surprise.

At this moment, Hyakusuke could feel the other party's gaze, a gaze filled with doubt, as if asking, "Who is this guy?"

Suddenly, Tomoe, the acting head of the Karigane family, couldn't help but speak.

"Ikki, you're as arrogant as ever?"

"Miss Tomoe, those are harsh words."

Ikki replied lightly, "This is not arrogance, but rather considering the Tsukigara clan. I have also been deeply cared for by adoptive father Washizu-sama, and this is my way of repaying him."

"When the Tsukigara family's territory was threatened by demons, we didn't see you repaying him?"

"I believed that the situation at that time was beyond saving. To fight against a demon king-level great demon, at least the 'Twelve Holy Guardians'-level experts need to cooperate, which means at least seven or more super-class exorcists are needed to have a chance to expel the opponent."

Ikki sighed, "This is equivalent to drawing out about half of the defense forces of the capital, which is not realistic."

"So you just stood by and did nothing."

Tomoe retorted with a sneer.

"The Imperial Court promised that as long as I continue to serve as one of the Twelve Holy Guardians, the Tsukigara clan's name would be recognized. Even if I returned to the territory alone, it would only be suicide."

Ikki's voice was very serious.

"Even if I abandon Washizu-sama, I will protect the Tsukigara clan. I don't think there is anything wrong with my judgment."

His answer was impeccable, and even Karigane Tomoe couldn't find any flaws.

In this world, demons are divided according to their strength, roughly into Lesser Demons, Formed Demons, Greater Demons, Malevolent Demons, Demon Generals, and Demon Kings.

The most powerful of human exorcists are called 'Super-Class'. Ohagi and Kuzuhana are at this level. Super-Class is the peak of human limits, corresponding to the Demon General level among demons.

Moreover, there is a natural difference between humans and demons, which leads to human Super-Class having far less total spiritual power than Upper-Rank Demon Generals.

Most human Super-Class are equivalent to Mid-Rank Demon Generals. If a Super-Class exorcist encounters an Upper-Rank Demon General, they will be at a great disadvantage.

Furthermore, to deal with a Demon King, at least seven or more Super-Class exorcists are needed to 'expel' them. Note that it is to expel a Demon King-level existence. To completely kill or seal the opponent, I'm sorry, please invite the Sword Saint, Bow Saint, Spear Saint, and Fist Saint?

On the other hand, the Twelve Holy Guardians are generally composed of Super-Class exorcists and are the most powerful fighting force on the surface of the island nation's imperial court, as well as the 'iron wall' protecting the capital where the royal family resides.

It can be said that to subdue that Demon King, it would be necessary to draw away more than half of the capital's defensive forces.

"Yomei, give me the clan head's sword."

Ikki said frankly, "You are not suitable to be the clan head. Let me take the position. I will also be responsible for the restoration of the Tsukigara clan… Of course, I am only temporarily taking the position of clan head. When I recover the territory and rebuild the clan, I will return the position of clan head and the territory to your children. The Tsukigara clan's name will not disappear, and I will also find a way to negotiate a solution to the issues with the Imperial Court."

His tone was very sincere.

However, almost no one present believed him.

Because of Ikki's attitude, everyone thought he was an ambitious man, and what he said was just empty talk.

The only exception was Hyakusuke, who knew that Big Bro-in-Law was telling the truth and that he really intended to restore the Tsukigara clan.

As for not wanting Yomei to take the position of clan head, on the one hand, there were many things involved behind the scenes, and on the other hand, he was afraid of the ambition of the Kurohimeyama clan, which would drag the Tsukigara clan into even greater turmoil.

In addition, the matter of him "watching coldly and ignoring" when the territory was threatened did not exist, because he was seriously injured at the time and could not move at all.

'However, letting Tsukigara Yomei give up the position of clan head is not necessarily a bad thing, because becoming the clan head has a certain impact on the future situation. From a certain perspective, giving up the position of clan head is beneficial to the protagonist… but it will trigger fewer events.'

Hyakusuke pondered.

This matter has both advantages and disadvantages, and the key is how to operate it, but…

His gaze turned to the girl beside him again.

She was lowering her head, tightly holding the sheathed sword in her hand.

'Sigh…'

Hyakusuke sighed in his heart.

Well, the most important thing now is to build the protagonist's confidence and get rid of the "avoidance of problems," "anti-war," and "negative" attitudes of the early stages of the story. She must cheer up and establish a strong fighting spirit.

"Father's relics are very important to her, and besides, these two treasured swords cannot be given away casually…"

Hyakusuke made a decision. He cleared his throat and said to Yomei, "Lord Yomei, I think you should participate in this duel."

He did not lower his voice, but raised it, speaking loudly, "Whether you win or lose! It should be decided in a fair and square manner. Rather than hesitating, it is better to make a decision sooner rather than later!"

Hyakusuke thought to himself that as long as he operated properly, helping her win this victory would not be difficult.