Nirasawa's right to sound pessimistic about the fight. If Yamada/Ririka is joining the 5v5 then Hiroto's team desperately need some offensive power. Again, I'm hoping Hiroto gets Yuu at least to help him since she was ordered by the Prince once to protect Ririka from the student council. Yuu can also use the opportunity to get her revenge on Mayu after she was dispatched by her rather easily. Ito can also be useful by making the flag too heavy to carry so Mayu can't cheese a win. Hiroto just need to be aware of the type of game and Ito's power ( I assumed Ririka told him off camera).
And Nirasawa and company, can you please let Hiroto focus on one girl he needs to capture instead of suggesting new targets?
But on the topic about the cult leader's hypothesis, yeah I knew it was a little odd that Nirasawa willingly decided to remain loyal to Hiroto after she got her body back instead of wasting little time turning Hiroto into paste. Like is Hiroto's D really that good that you can't allow your human dildo to expire prematurely?! However, Nirasawa's feelings for Hiroto is most likely legitimate. After all, Akemi did read Nirasawa's memories to know that Hiroto is her type. For Hiroto side, him having a crush on Nirasawa feels confusing and sudden. He went from seeing Nirasawa as nothing more as a bully with the only thing valuable is her body to getting shy because someone thinks he and Nirasawa are a couple, 0-100 style. What? Ever since chapter 19.5, I have been scratching my head seeing Hiroto acting like that towards Nirasawa.
I admit, they do look cute together visually, their (non-romantic) chemistry is getting better, and most importantly, the enemies to lovers/friends is one my favorite tropes so I'm happy to see it here. I dunno, author isn't convincing me on the romance between the two yet but we'll see if it gets better.
Anyway, can't wait to see Ririka's corruption so Hiroto can get back on track on capturing a new target before the big battle. If the hypothesis is true, at least it will solve the problem of what would happened if Hiroto's enemies get their bodies back, especially prematurely like what happened to Nirasawa. ( Once the stepsister becomes a brocon again, she can also safeguard Hiroto from his enemies by threatening them with death. They will fall in line real quick, lol).
Thanks for the update, Heat.