Vol. 4 Ch. 4
Vol. 4 Ch. 4
Chapter 4
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It’s completely dark outside. We walk four abreast. There’s an option to take the bus. Even at close range, but Sakura-san said, “I want to walk with everyone.” What I’m really worried about is Akane is included in this “everyone,” but that wasn’t a problem. Sakura-san doesn’t show that kind of pettiness.of excluding others.
As we approach the station, numerous illuminated signs catch our eye. It seems that little by little things are haRecovering from the recession, as there are more customers around here.
—It’s further ahead.
Sakura-san guides us.
After walking for a while, we arrived at a large building.
There’s a giant sign right in front of us. That must be the top floor here. This area used to be
primarily residential, with a public restroom for local residents a few years ago. Due to the With the transformation of bathrooms in homes and commercial premises, customer traffic decreased. Six monThey demolished it and built a large building, restarting it as a kind of urban spa.
The word “spa” is on the sign. In reality, they’ll probably just add powder to the water and the They’ll heat up. Although they’re promoting it as a “complete entertainment park,” for now it seems There’s only a bar and a spa. Isn’t there an arcade? There’s a karaoke bar right across the street. —…Hm?
I squinted. It seems there’s a girl I’ve seen somewhere near the karaoke bar.
-What’s happening…?
Akane asked me.
—I saw someone with a familiar face…
She craned her neck, but there was no one in sight.
—Who was it?
—I feel like it was Masumi-chan.
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—Oh…
It’s not necessary to meet face-to-face, but that noise is coming from the karaoke. Will soundproofing help? sound?
Going up in the elevator. Here, the design incorporates the roof as an open-air bathroom, promoting: “Enjoying the night sky from the hot springs while you’re in the city.” It’s a possible technique. thanks to the absence of taller buildings than this one.
There were quite a few people on the floor where the elevator arrived. Probably due to the rarity and the frenzyhot springs.
“Let’s go inside quickly,” Sakura-san said. However, my steps suddenly became heavy.
—What’s wrong, Natsuru-san?
—…
Somehow, I hesitated. Although only the bathroom and toilet remain in male form, right now It was time to go to the hot springs. Without choosing it, I was forced to confront my own body. Sakura-san bowed her head.
—Don’t you have enough money?
-No…
—Is this your first time in a place like this?
-No…
—Then let’s go! I’ll give you a back massage, Natsuru-san.
That sounds good, but I’d prefer it to be a girl.
She grabs my arm and pulls me. Usually, it would be a very happy scene, but what on earth is going on? here?
Meanwhile, Shizuku was watching me closely.
—Kaede.
-That?
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—It seems that Senou-san is not feeling well.
—Huh? Seriously?
I want to ask that, but Shizuku keeps talking as if she’s worried. —He said it started a while ago.
-Oh really?
Sakura-san was surprised. Me too. What started it? A nighttime baseball game? —Natsuru-san, you’re always doing well.
—But when it gets worse, it’s serious. He can’t go to the hot springs.
—It can’t be like that…
She looked genuinely disappointed.
It seems I was lucky not to get in. Somehow I managed to get out of that desperate situation. Oh, a miracle! It has happened!
I made sure to tell Sakura-san.
—That’s why I can’t go in…
—The timing was too bad.
-… I’m sorry.
Although it wasn’t clear to me, I apologized anyway. But with just that, it’s clear to me that “Begins” is a magic word. Should I use it as an excuse for being late next time? I asked him. in a low voice to Akane.
-Hey…
-Yeah?
—What does “begin” mean?
She looked at me as if she had found a deep-sea fish in the desert. —…Don’t you know…?
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—Maybe it will serve as an excuse for school.
—… I think you should try it.
After that, he didn’t respond to anything else. Huh? Am I saying something weird? —There’s no other choice. We’re going in alone.
Shizuku said.
—Natsuru-san, what are you going to do?
—I’ll stay here…
I answered. Fortunately, there were plenty of chairs and no shortage of places to sit. —I’ll take a shower afterwards…
—I understand. I’m sorry, but please wait.
Sakura-san composed herself and went through the large curtain. At the crossing, Shizuku said, “You owe me Understood, yes.
The curtain was also confirmed.
After a while, I checked the contents of my wallet. Okay, okay, it’s all here. Only the bathroom remains. men.
Once I get through it, it will be the Hot Springs World. Without realizing it, I was smiling. Actually, I just wanted to get in here. Not women, but men, yes. Waiting after arriving… Here? I don’t think so. I’m Japanese. Even if it’s not true, I love hot springs.
I looked for a hidden place. I need to be a man again somewhere. It would be chaos to go in like this. The clothWell, that’s fine.
Behind that vending machine seems like a good place. I move carefully, avoiding eye contact. I make sure no one is watching me. Good, good.
The oath bracelet on my arm gleams. For a moment, enveloped in light, I was no longer a man. —…Huh?
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Sadly, I examined my body; I am still a woman. My unnecessarily large breasts sag. What What’s happening here?
I try again. It’s a retry system. The bracelet glows once more, but nothing happens.
(Why the hell isn’t it working!?)
There was turmoil in my heart. A feeling of impatience was slowly growing.
Never being able to be a man again? What an absurd idea! If I continue like this, I’ll have to spend the rest of Being a woman. I don’t want that. If that were the case, the ones who would be happy would be Sakura-san, Hi
Class 2-4 of the boys’ section, and the others who were causing a ruckus at the beauty pageant… there quite a few.
But I’m not okay. In life, being a man is the most important thing. Even escaping the collapse of my ego. Like Kämpfer, it’s because there’s a way to become a man again.
—What’s happening…?
I tried to ignore the feeling of despair that was calling to me, and I looked at the blue bracelet. It was constantly emitting a faint light.
Wait a moment. I remember that when I was in my original form, if a hostile Kämpfer was Nearby, I would transform as if I were being dragged. Although over time I stopped being dragged, Could it be that sometimes it can’t return to its normal form?
Just as I had that thought, there was a sharp sound, and the vending machine in front of me broke. halfway.
-That-…!?
I screamed involuntarily. Well, anyone would scream in that situation.
Behind the destroyed machine, there was a girl.
She was holding a steel katana. She was wearing the sailor uniform of the Seitetsu Academy, girls’ section. And she had blonde hair. Oh, it’s her.
On his right arm he wore an oath bracelet. And what’s more, it was glowing red.
The girl looked at me and screamed.
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“I will exterminate the evil organization that is disrupting order!”
Evil? Anyway, what kind of acting is she doing? Even if her weapon is a sword, is it her katana? Is that why it resembles a Japanese period drama?
She looked at my face.
—I found you, Natsuru woman!
It’s you again. How nice that you’re still looking for me.
—When I walked by, my bracelet reacted brilliantly, didn’t it? So I was right! You found me with just that? What tenacity.
—A Kämpfer like you, trying to get into an onsen!
-You…
—It’s just what I needed. A hundred years after we met here, or maybe a few weeks. Become the rust on my sword!
I don’t want to. But I don’t think you’ll listen.
—Whoa!
Downward blow. I dodged by jumping to the side. The vending machine was cut off again. —Don’t run away!
If I don’t run, I’ll probably die. The woman was swinging her sword rapidly. There was no pattern.
some.
Luckily, I didn’t get there. She was breathing heavily.
—Mikoto…
I inadvertently murmured his name. Was he attacking me here too, instead of in the library? —…I’m not Mikoto, I told you!
—But Mikoto…
—… I can’t believe you found me out.
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She finally admitted it. What a tired woman.
—I know, so what about it…?
—I don’t like it. I hope you die!
—Ueeh!
Mikoto draws her sword and lunges at me. I generate a fireball and throw it. —Too predictable!
I dodge the Japanese sword horizontally. The fireball disperses like a firework and disappears.
—Your attacks are weak, Natsuru woman!
—Wait, Mikoto…
—Don’t call me so familiarly!
—No, I didn’t mean that…
Whack! Whack! The tip of the sword grazed my face. I stepped back hastily. Because we were having a battle in this place, the hot spring tourists gathered and They began to murmur.
—Is it an attraction?
—They’re both girls, right?
—Hey, Mom, what are those girls doing?
—Shh, you mustn’t point your finger!
I was completely stared at. Of course, in a place like this, waving weapons around, it would be normal. TRUE?
I feel somewhat embarrassed, but Mikoto was completely immersed in it, brandishing her Japanese sword. and staring at me.
—Don’t move, blue.
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—…
Yes, it’s blue.
—I, Inoue Makoto, will cut you into pieces two feet, four inches, and five parts and make you into a salad.
Get ready.
Prepare for what? There’s no Kämpfer sword by that name. Isn’t Inoue Makoto the sword that Does it appear in “Otoko wa Tsurai yo” (famous Japanese film series)?
It seems that doesn’t matter at all, Mikoto leaps to attack again.
—Daryaahh!
—Wow!
Its cut is sharp from force. I can’t stand still, otherwise I’ll really end up in salad.
But I can’t fight back and kill her. After all, she’s my childhood friend.
Escape decision in five seconds. I sprint towards the exit.
I thought, but I was blocked by the crowd. I changed direction, thought for a bit, and slipped away toward the thermal baths, the men’s baths.
—Where do you think you’re escaping to?!
Mikoto’s scream. Ahaha. Did you see my situational assessment skills? My decision-making and action skills!
Wisdom is quick to acquire for survival in modern society! Even you, woman, will not enter here. I ran towards the locker room. The men shouted:
—Whoa, a girl!?
—A pervert?
—A demon!
I felt like I was about to fall flat on my back. Damn it, I’m a girl! What the hell am I doing in a men’s bathroom? My judgment and ability to act are at zero.
-Wait!
Furthermore, Mikoto approached timidly, but determinedly. Come on, where did the shyness go? Kampfer – Volume 4
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Taking advantage of every contact, she advanced, cutting through everything in her path. Wow, more than a bin Spain!
He threw some fireballs to dazzle people. Even if they explode, they should have some effect, but… They completely ignore it!
I slipped inside.
Where are you going?
—Don’t follow me!
-Struggle!
-Right now…
—How pathetic for an enemy!
I was reprimanded. After walking around the place, I went out through a large glass door and slammed it shut. Trying to catch my breath, I turned around and was stunned.
It was a bathroom. Large tubs were lined up, and naked men stared at me in astonishment. They all reflected
Obvious disbelief. Well, that was to be expected. A young girl suddenly burst in here. —Ah-… Ahaha…
I laughed nervously. It’s not that I’m embarrassed, but what will they think?
The glass door was split in two.
—Here you are!
Slamming on the door, Mikoto burst in. Naturally, she stopped.
—Hey, Natsuru woman, this is the moment to answer for your actions. Prepare your… huh? Her words stopped mid-sentence. She was looking at the bathroom.
—Hyah…
Her face suddenly turned red. I see, she seems to have understood the situation. It seems that even the The ruthless Mikoto Kondou, who caused trouble in South America, Africa, and the Middle East, is weak in theof men. Is this the first time you’ve seen a naked man? I’m sure it is, he stared at me.
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—What are you thinking, escaping to a place like this…?
—No, it’s because I’m a man…
—You can’t be a man in any way!
With all her strength, she draws a katana. I managed to dodge it by leaning back.
Mikoto turned completely red and held the sword in front of her.
—I’ll cut you off right away!
After a while.
The men in the bathroom ran out in a hurry.
“He’s a serial killer!”, “He’s a murderer!”, “She’s a savage!”, they shouted as they fled. It’s only natural that this This happens when someone boasts about “cutting things off abruptly”.
To avoid being swept away by the crowd, I retreated to the wall. I couldn’t see Mikoto anywhere.
Soon, the naked men disappeared. As I approached Mikoto, who was crouching with her face covered, He suddenly raised his head.
He was staring at me again.
—You’ve done something truly shameful!
Despite not having done anything.
—No—No, you shouldn’t have put me in such an embarrassing situation! There were so many men… and theynaked!
Perhaps because many naked men ran past Mikoto. They probably didn’t hide.
Gripping the katana firmly, he reversed his strength.
—You shouldn’t put a girl through such a humiliating experience! I won’t forgive you, even if you Put them in jail!
—This has nothing to do with me…
“Why are you so calm? A man… naked! Do you mean you’re experienced? You pervert!” demon of lustful desires!
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I’ve been living for seventeen years, and this is the first time anyone’s called me lustful. Am I the only man in thWho are they telling this to?
—I will not forgive you!
The Japanese katana trembles slightly. Ah, she’s angry.
—Daaaaaahh!
The katana descends at a speed barely visible to follow. It splits in two upon impact. a large mirror.
(There is no other option.)
Looks like I’ll have to fight for real. I generate a fireball and launch it in Mikoto’s direction. She simply ignores it and moves on. As the sword’s trajectory changes, griffins and cubes appear.
They tear each other apart and are blown to bits.
Reducing the power has little effect. This time I’m launching a fireball with more power. -Curse!
Mikoto realizes the danger and moves away. The fireball destroys the sauna door. The steam is drifting this far. My vision is gradually becoming blurry and white. Mikoto is blocking the exit. She doesn’t seem to intend to let me escape. The toilet bucket is behind me. and the stairs that lead to the open-air bathroom on the rooftop.
—I won’t let you escape, Natsuru woman.
Mikoto declares it.
—First of all, when they said you were a mysterious, beautiful girl, I thought it was strange. You’re a Kämpfer.
He’s been using the word “Kämpfer” casually for a while now, but why does it feel so familiar? Doesn’t he care about the situation he’s in?
—Actually, I don’t like the name Senou Natsuru. It’s the same as my childhood friend’s. Is he a harassment?
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—It’s not harassment, it’s just that-…
—I don’t want to hear excuses.
I was just trying to say that I’m the same person, aren’t you interested in hearing it? Mikoto pointed her finger at me.
“Anyway, everything about you bothers me when you’re around. The boys hold you in high esteem. They watcAt the Beauty Research Club, they say you like Natsuru, the boy.
—I didn’t say that…!
—And your manly, raspy voice bothers me too! Anyway, enough talk! Destruction!
He waves his katana.
I jump just before the point reaches me. By transforming into Kämpfer, I can move nimbly around here. From above, I shoot fireballs with both hands.
Mikoto spins the katana like a weathervane, deflecting everything. As I marvel, I try to come back down to eartSuddenly, Mikoto lunges towards me, extending the katana towards where I am going to land. —Plop!
I turn at the last instant, but I slip and fall backwards into the bathroom.
—Glub, glub, glub!
Everything around me turns the color of a bathroom. I kick my feet away from the wall and then stand up. I’m completely soaked. I’m not cold because it’s water, but my clothes are heavy. They’ve absorbed a lot of moamount of liquid.
The clothes were clinging to the body. Even the lines of the underwear were quite prominent.
Somehow, Mikoto was watching while she grunted, “So wet women are attractive?” Who uses that outdated expression nowadays?
—I don’t like having such large breasts. Do you plan to make them stand out even more by wetting them with Kneel down and apologize to girls all over the country with small breasts!
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Why should I apologize? It’s not my fault, and I’m sure you don’t have small breasts. But logic doesn’t work with this person. He always considers himself the center of the universe. He even had a altercation with an Italian research team over the merit of some artifacts unearthed in Syria, and then he betrayed them to the secret police to expel them from the country.
Again, brandishing his katana.
—Get ready!
—Waaah!
A swift, ferocious thrust ripped away part of my clothing. Oh no, my underwear is showing! Why don’t I wear onchange?
I almost slipped, but managed to stay upright. Mikoto approaches the bathtub and prepares to lower her katan-Hey!
Rose lightly touched my left arm, and the katana struck the surface of the water. The splash It soaked Mikoto from head to toe. Parts of her uniform were stained.
I distanced myself as much as I could.
—Don’t run away!
—I’m not running away!
I generated several small fireballs in the palm of my hand. I threw them one after another beneath the feet of Mikoto.
The impact site produced a mist of water. Taking advantage of the brief moment when his vision was blurred, I
I launched myself towards her now.
—Kyaah…
Why is she screaming like a girl? I grabbed Mikoto’s arm and tried to make her drop the katana. twisting it.
She let go of it. But she grabbed it with her other hand and attacked me.
—You did it!
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A few strands of my hair flew out. Realizing my mistake, I stepped back.
She probably used her non-dominant hand to wield the sword. Only my hair was damaged. If If I had been the dominant side, I would have been in serious trouble. I probably would have been beheaded. She was nervous in the corner of her eye.
—Don’t you dare touch me so lightly!
Even if you say that…
—Even just touching the arms of enemy Kämpfers is humiliating! I will demand compensation! I will drag you into a storm of lawsuits and prevent you from walking in public for life! How crazy! Not only does he touch you, but he also takes away your purity. It’s more of a shock than a humilia—Okay, listen carefully. I take care of my body. It’s not Natsuru the woman who’s okay to touch it… At that moment, Mikoto’s face turned red.
—What are you saying!?
It’s ridiculous to talk on your own. The Japanese katana was moved aside.
I moved at the right moment and launched a fireball from my hand, causing a spectacular explosion. below Mikoto.
—Kyaahh!
The blonde Mikoto was pushed and fell backward into the bathtub.
He got up hurriedly, but I fired again. He fell again due to the water splashes.
—I-… Useless…
—Why do you say it’s useless?
—Because it’s useless.
The attack had already begun before she could move.
It’s difficult to move around in the bathtub. The water creates resistance that makes it hard to balance. Compared to aerial magic, swords will always be at a disadvantage. At first, I was anxious and didn’t It was working well, but now it could foresee much more.
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The balance of the fight tipped in my favor.
—It’s useless, even if you repeat it.
Mikoto stared at me and said disdainfully:
—Tsk. Do you think you did well?
Well, yes.
—It’s not going to be like that.
Mikoto plunged her katana right in front of her. She jumped like a pole vaulter to try and kick me. —Hiyaaahh!
—Uaaahh!
Boom! I received a direct kick to the forehead. Stars glittered before my eyes and the theme song of “Kick no Oni” was playing in my head.
But that was it. I had expected something like that. I moved quickly backward and absorbed the blow. AlthoughStars and Cosmo Hammer flying, as Kämpfer had turned me, I had also gained physical resistance. I braced my legs and stopped. We faced each other again.
—…Well dodged.
-Yeah.
—But what about this?
Mikoto took the katana out of the bathroom.
Gogogogogo. Sounds of water, bubbles emerged. A whirlpool appeared on the surface. The water level was dropping rapidly. Oh, it made a hole in the bathtub! It would improve the condition of the bIt’s uncomfortable having a wet skirt stuck to your legs, but without water everything would improve drastically. Mikoto ran towards the bathtub, now as shallow as a puddle.
—Bladed weapons are advantageous in close combat!
The katana swung down once, then again. I tried to dodge, but tripped as I tried to escape.
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—Ouch!
A big hit on the wet tiles. This time, the stars were quite large.
Mikoto raised her sword forcefully.
—This time, get ready!
—Gyyaaaahh!
Right after screaming heartbreakingly,
A shot rang out. The katana, struck by the bullet, deflected its tip and lodged itself next to my ear. -Who!?
—Don’t you dare try to kill someone else’s partner without permission.
Akane, transformed into a gun resembling a Colt Government, stood at the entrance. woman as fierce as a rabid dog.
Akane approached slowly. She was wearing clothes, but her hair was wet and her face was slightly flushed. Hurry. And, as usual, his gaze was malevolent.
“Don’t play dumb! Killing Natsuru is a privilege reserved only for me. All other women…” Stay out of it!
What kind of pre-execution, mafia-style talk was that?
Akane did not take her eyes off Mikoto, who returned her gaze defiantly.
—…And who are you?
—I am this idiot’s stupid partner. I am a woman to whom the Dalai Lama has granted the right to Kill Natsuru. So, if you understand, give up your place. Otherwise, I’ll put three or four more holes in you. —… Oooh, how vulgar you are!
Mikoto frowned. Seriously, he’d mentioned “killing” three times in a short period! Akane was smiling ironically.
—Huh? Who says I have a bad mouth? Me? Born with the spirit of Florence Nightingale and a lover of Rilke, where is my foul-mouthed evil side?
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-Not bad.
—I understand. This is a normal conversation. I prefer to be like this than to fake smiles my whole life like otheThey can’t even say what they think.
—Maybe that’s okay. Although to me it sounds like you’re constantly digging your own grave. Mikoto defies death, calmly answering Akane. Look, the fierce woman’s eyes narrow. a lot.
—…Laugh at funny things. You don’t seem to understand humor, like a red Kämpfer. —Insulting is not humor.
—…Die!
Gunshot sounds. Flames shoot from the cannon. Mikoto jumps to dodge them. “Danger, danger, danger!” Mysteriously, the bullets are hitting me. Hey, you were aiming at me while all this was happening?! Mikoto apprRunning. Akane doesn’t back down, she moves closer. Spirit of suicide. Gunshot and metallic clang. In the Bathroom, just the two of us. A moment of eternity. The katana deflects the bullet. Akane leaps sideways, and It passes where she was. Rolling, she fires repeatedly. The gunshots echo in the bathroom.
Surprisingly, Mikoto dodged all the shots.
—Tsk!
Akane clicks her tongue. Then, a katana strike rises from below.
—Akane, jump!
The ferocious woman leaps. The fireball I fired streaks across the area, ricochets off the katana, and explodes. Mikoto covers her face and steps back.
Akane comes towards me.
—Damn it, that stupid woman is mocking me, I’ll kill her!
—Hey, calm down.
“How dare you tell me to calm down? I’ll make her look like a sieve, like Clara Petacci, and hang her up. Help —Don’t do that.
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The fierce woman turns around and stares at me with a ferocious expression.
—What did you say? Have you gone mad? You want to order me around just because you helped me a little? Courage. First, I’ll send you to the other world. What kind of funeral do you prefer? Would you mind if I threw ya sewer system?
—Listen, just-…
—Don’t tell me what to do. Are you trying to tell me she’s the heroine of a moe anime? —That’s not how it is.
—Are you saying you prefer that girl? I’ll kill you!
—That’s not it, we can’t just kill her!
Akane was stunned,
—What’s wrong? He’s become a Kämpfer too. I’ll shoot him as a souvenir.
How does one come to think like that?
Is it because he’s a rabid dog that he has the mentality of “enemy = shoot” and “ally = sometimes shoot”?
I thought dogs were stricter in distinguishing between enemies and allies. There’s also a “me = kill” mentality. It seems he can’t calm down without seeing blood in any case.
—Hey, Mikoto!
Akane screamed.
—Why have you dyed your hair such a striking blonde color?
Mikoto was surprised for a moment and replied.
—Huh? Why do you know my name too!?
—We’ve clashed several times, obviously I know that!
—Are you a student at Seitetsu Academy too? I don’t know any rude girls like you! —I’ll tell you everything after I’ve turned you into a corpse!
Another shot. Since there’s no limit to the bullets, she keeps firing like crazy. Sometimes Mikoto moves to He dodges, sometimes uses his sword to block, and now he has hidden behind a screen.
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Mikoto will probably want to fight back, but she’s facing a firearm. In this situation,
He probably cannot approach recklessly.
“You’re moving around too much, Natsuru, give me support. I’ll eliminate her this time.” —I told you to stop. I want to resolve this without killing.
—…Is that so?
A murderous intent emanates from the entire body of the ferocious woman. Clearly, I am the target. —How far are you going to defend Mikoto?
—I don’t think you’re going to kill her.
“Because she’s a childhood friend? She’s wearing a red armband. If you don’t attack her, we’ll be the ones attaThat will not be forgotten even after repenting 35 times in the afterlife.
—Why do you always assume it’s kill or be killed? It would be enough to defeat her skillfully,
No?
“That’s difficult. Listen, Mikoto’s sword has been deflecting my attacks for a while now. It still seems…” He’s only defending himself; his way of attacking is clumsy, but if he perfects it, we could be in danger. We need to take the initiative.
Damn it. Even though he’s a dog, it makes sense. But if I do what this person says, Mikoto will really leave. to the afterlife. However, if I don’t resist, we will die.
—There’s no time to hesitate. Let’s do it.
There is no time to stop her.
Akane launched into a sprint. She ducked and stubbornly lunged towards where Mikoto was hiding. Mikoto didn’t counterattack. She simply jumped with all her might.
—Woah!
Akane and I screamed in unison. The bathroom ceiling was very high. To prevent the steam from filling it completely, he jumped almost reaching the ceiling.
—Hey!
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Holding the Japanese katana, he prepared to perform a takedown. And towards me. —Dooooooohh!
What’s faster, dodging or counterattacking? Just thinking about it is deadly. I decided to do both.
For the containment role, I throw a fireball and roll into the wall. Ouch! Hit to the hip against the tap.
Mikoto was defending against the fireball with her sword. Because of this, she lost her balance. —Oh oh oh!
He managed to turn around and land on his feet, but Akane fired repeatedly in that direction. —Kyaahh!
Mikoto staggered. It seemed the sword blocked some shots, but others hit their mark. It was bad. I thought he was dead, but there was no blood. Because he’s a Kämpfer, his body is resilient. The blonde hesitates. Akane and I try to approach, but she somehow stops herself. She’s holding the katana. with both hands.
We stopped approaching and maintained our distance, with Mikoto looking at us face to face. The three of us the same distance, forming an equilateral triangle.
Mikoto is alone and has only a katana as a weapon. In this position, she is clearly at a disadvantage. —What a coward!
She screamed.
—Idiot! What are you saying now? Weren’t you the one who charged like a locomotive? Akane laughed insolently. She doesn’t seem to have any intention of pitying the weak. She’s the type who woul”If someone falls into the water, let them drown.”
—From the beginning, we have more people. So don’t curse your own misfortune.
—… Kuu.
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—Even if you look at us that way, nothing will change. Anyone who thinks they can solve anything with a look iIt is clearly influenced by moe anime.
Despite being a night owl anime fan, you’re really weird.
Here, gradually closing the distance. Mikoto is also trying to escape somehow, but
We skillfully maintain an equilateral triangle, putting ourselves at a disadvantage.
Akane and I had spoken beforehand and we did not intend to get to this situation.
However, we felt this was the best option given the circumstances. This is probably due to We have the same skin color and have fought together several times. It feels like we’re growing up. in proportion to the number of times we’ve insulted each other. Although I’m not too thrilled about it either.
—Don’t even think about running away!
Akane said.
—Don’t worry, I’ll let you live. It’s just that my partner won’t stop talking.
Oh, I thought even dogs had human feelings, but this was denied by the following dialogue. —I will let you live, but you will have no mercy. I will skin you alive and make you stand naked in the hallway ofSchool for a week. Or I’ll make sure you’ll only ever say “woof” and “woof” forever. You’re a Human dog. If you pay an unlicensed doctor to stand on the edge of a cliff, he’ll do anything for you. This girl was thinking of creating another one just like herself because she was a dog. I wanted to stop her, but the color of those eyes was identical to the ones she had when she tried to kill. Any atThe reasoning seemed useless.
Mikoto looked genuinely upset,
—… Don’t mess with that. I’m not a masochist. I reject it.
—Rejecting it is pointless. You’ll soon understand.
—Don’t wake me up. A true masochist is someone like Natsuru, who likes being dominated. That This guy loves being mistreated, huh?
What are you saying? It’s a false accusation!
Akane, upon hearing this, began to laugh.
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—Now that you mention it, she has that look on her face that says she loves pain.
—That’s right. Ever since he was little. Even when I hit him, he would smile, ask me to hit him harder, he alwayHe was begging.
Don’t lie! Yes, I’ve been hit by you, or rather that’s all you do, but I’ve never begged you. It’s A falsification of internal history! An invention.
Akane burst out laughing. “You’re kidding me, idiot!”
I directed my fingers towards Mikoto.
—Stop talking nonsense…!
“It’s not nonsense, Natsuru woman. You see, he’s a masochist, so if you’re going after him, it’d be best to shofresher or even a sadistic side.
—Wh-… What…!?
—Since he’s a masochist, try not to intimidate him.
—Th-… That…!
This woman is unforgivable. My childhood memories began to fade from my mind, and Compassion. If I don’t control it, everything will fall apart.
I concentrated and formed a huge fireball. It was becoming unusually gigantic. Not only Mikoto, Even Akane was surprised.
—Wait… stop…
—Hey Natsuru, it’s better to leave her alive…
Do you have any idea? But just when I tried to shoot…
Behind Mikoto, the wall suddenly collapsed. More precisely, a circular hole opened up, and only That part of the wall collapsed. It was the threshold that separated the women’s bathroom; now you could see There was nobody there. Well, only one person was standing.
It was Shizuku, a woman of the Platinum brand, holding a dagger with a chain.
—It’s been quite striking.
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He moves his arm. The dagger with chain flies toward us.
—Whoa!
—Ah!
Akane jumps to the left, I jump to the right to dodge. She approaches from the hole and stops next to me. Mikoto.
At first, Mikoto was just surprised, but soon she noticed Shizuku’s arm.
—Red! You’re an ally!
-That’s how it is.
I don’t know if she realized she was the student council president. Anyway, her voice Indifference was like a gift from heaven for Mikoto.
—Great, now we can fight back! We have to do something to that woman like a dog with a gun. I I will defeat Natsuru the woman.
Now it’s two against two. We’re evenly matched. Shizuku glanced at his face.
—It won’t be as easy as you think.
-Hey?
Shizuku struck the back of the blonde hair with all her might using the hilt of her dagger.
A sudden blow, combined with Kämpfer’s brute strength, caused Mikoto to collapse on the spot. ■
The place we took Mikoto to was a park near the station.
After that, it was chaos. A report came in that: “strange women were causing disturbances in the “Spa,” and the police team arrived. Shizuku said, “Let’s get her out,” so she escaped from the women’s restroothrough a hole. By the way, the female customers had left a long time ago.
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Carrying Mikoto, who was feeling dizzy, I sneaked out and found many onlookers. Thanks to that, it wasn’t so difficult to blend in.
It’s my role to take Mikoto. Everyone is treating me like a man right now.
—Hey, what happened to Sakura-san?
When I asked Shizuku, she replied:
—I evacuated her. I told her a pervert with a gun was causing a disturbance in the men’s restroom. Didn’t you? Is he among the onlookers there?
—Did you leave it like that?
“There’s nothing we can do in this situation. I’ll go look for her later.”
I can only imagine how lonely and scared Sakura-san must be, but I held back and followed her instructions. —Could it be that the president also emptied the women’s restroom by spreading rumors about a pervert? —There’s no reason to criticize. That’s not true.
She must have done it to make the fight easier. She’s still a terrifying woman.
There was nobody in the park. It seems everyone became a voyeur and came out to watch. If I were in the In the same situation, I would probably go and see too.
Mikoto groaned, “Ugh…” Ah, he’s awake!
The eyelids weakly open.
—Whoa…
Muttering incomprehensible words, he looks around.
-Where is…?
—Are you awake? I’m going to kill you.
Akane points a gun.
—Stop, what are you thinking?
—She’s a Red Kämpfer. An enemy. Kill her now and let’s reduce their numbers.
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—It’s Mikoto, she’s a friend, right?
—I’m more egalitarian than a Quaker. It doesn’t matter if they’re well-known or not. —Under a gun, everyone is just dead, right?
I desperately tried to take the gun away from Akane.
Shizuku doesn’t get involved in this dispute. She waits for Mikoto to recover. —Hey… you…
His conscience seems to be clearing. At least, his vision seems to be assured. Shizuku speaks slowly.
Can you see me?
-Chairwoman…?
—That’s right. And you, what’s your name?
—I am Kondou Mikoto…
She’s still not entirely sane. She seems like she’s drunk.
—And that girl?
He points at me.
—Senou Natsuru…
—And that one?
—I don’t know… a dog…?
Akane’s eyebrows are twitching. She has a low boiling point.
—The best thing to do is shoot him after all.
—I told you to stop.
The ferocious woman’s gun was pointed at the end of the drunken man’s nose. At that moment, Mikoto screamlung.
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—…Ah!
He jumped up. It seemed as if he had recovered everything at once.
-You…!
She rummages around to see if there’s a katana, but inside her body are Shizuku’s dagger and Akane’s gun. pointing at him.
—Yes, stay still. The conversation comes now.
—President…! You have a red bracelet!
-That’s how it is.
—Traitor…!
-All the best.
Shizuku remained unfazed. She had even discreetly but steadily put her katana away. —It’s not that I’m betraying anyone. I’m just acting according to my own standards. —I heard there’s a red Kämpfer who’s betrayed us. So she was the president after all! —Let’s discuss that in more detail later.
Oh, I thought to myself. Shizuku has no intention of fighting right now. That’s unusual. Mikoto looks suspiciously.
—Why should we talk?
—I guess we both have things we want to know.
—If they kill me, it wouldn’t be pleasant at all.
—And what about like this? I’m going to undo the transformation.
Shizuku retracts her dagger. Then, she flexes her right wrist.
It shines brightly, enveloped in a faint red glow for an instant. It returned to its original form before the transformation.
—… Uh.
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—Kondou-san, you come back too.
-Because…?
-It doesn’t matter.
Despite her suspicious look, Mikoto returned to her normal appearance.
Not with her blonde hair, but with her usual hair. Somehow, I felt relieved. Unlike me Experience shows that she can now transform herself at will. Perhaps she’s something special. —You too, please.
The vicious bitch to whom she clearly said, with evident displeasure:
—Don’t give me orders!
—You can even add “please”.
—… Tch.
Akane also reversed her transformation. Mikoto, who was watching, opened her eyes wide. —Ah, Akane-chan!?
-Yeah…
Akane grew smaller. Clearly, she no longer resembled the tough dog woman she once was. —Well, then, finally.
Shizuku’s gaze was directed towards me.
-… I will do that?
—Yes. You are essential to this.
There was no other option. I focused my strength on the bracelet. It’s hard to explain, but I had to channel my mental.
I felt a sensation of lightness in my body, and everything turned pale before my eyes. But then everything went back to normal. He was a man again.
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Of course, Akane and Shizuku weren’t surprised. But Mikoto, standing in front of me, looked like she was abouThe jaw and fall straight to Argentina.
—N-Natsuru!?
-… Yeah.
I answered sadly.
—Ah…
Mikoto collapsed backwards again.
—It seems she fainted…
Akane observed the situation. Although she wasn’t spitting foam, her limbs were tense. Even from here, it seemed that he was not in mortal danger.
“It seems the blow was hard,” Shizuku said. “You were probably the one who caused it.” —What are you going to do now, doing something like this?
—It was necessary. I wanted Kondou-san to know too.
-Oh really?
In response to my question, Shizuku nodded deeply.
—Kondou-san was sent here to supervise me, a visceral animal carrier. It’s a combination Interesting, isn’t it?
-What do you mean?
—We need to see what happens when we combine them. Senou-kun, transform back into form. female. Kaede is going to be shocked.
—To Sakura-san?
-Yeah.
And then she said,
—I’m going to find Kaede for a moment. Stay here.
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Having said that, he headed towards the building.
■
Kaede looked around.
He was peacefully enjoying a bath when he suddenly heard, “Fire!” and ran outside. In the locker room, I ran into Shizuku, who informed me: “It’s not a fire, it’s someone with a knife.” “Causing a commotion.” She told me, “You have time to change, so escape after that.” I left the spa immediately, but the lobby was packed with people, with no room to move. I barely managed to get on the elevator, but I didn’t see Shizuku, Akane, or Natsuru, which made me quite anxiDown below the building, there were also many onlookers. They were all saying, “A fire?”, “No, it looks like so”Mental health problems are causing problems.” Since there was no smoke, it didn’t appear to be a fire. Someone also mentioned that “a group of naked people broke in,” but since it was a public restroom, the Nudity was commonplace.
(… Girls…)
Kaede searched desperately. Her friends were nowhere to be seen. She thought they were evacuating. But what would they be doing? What would happen if they came across that individual “with a knife”?
(…Natsuru-san!)
Although she tried to pray to God, she didn’t have a particularly strong faith, so she prayed to the Siberian deerA collection of visceral animals. With the Siberian deer attached to a cross, the object resembled a strange divine offering.
(Ah, please… Please let Natsuru-san be safe. Let Shizuku-chan be safe too. I hope that) Mishima-san… Well, I hope you’re safe too…)
Right at that moment, when he made a somewhat uneven prayer.
—Kaede, are you okay?
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Shizuku was waving slightly.
—Shizuku-chan! What a relief…
Kaede ran towards her without thinking.
Where were you? I was worried…
—I got involved in something…
—Involved in what…? Are you hurt?
—Nothing has happened.
Without a doubt, Shizuku was the same as always. With her usual calmness, and that maturity she usually posSometimes he displayed that attitude where you couldn’t tell what he was thinking, and that remained the samKaede asked him what worried him most.
—Shizuku-chan… And Natsuru-san…?
—Okay. It’s here.
Upon hearing that, Kaede felt relieved.
-Excellent…
—She is strong. Resilient.
—Yes, that’s right, he’s as strong as a boy, isn’t he?
-… Yeah.
Shizuku gestured, saying, “They’re all here,” and they walked together to the park near the station. In fact, Natsuru and Akane were there.
Kaede ran up.
—Natsuru-san, what a relief that you’re alright… Oh, and Mishima-san too.
That’s when she realized. Between the two of them, a girl lay on the ground.
—Ara… this person…
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He recognized her. They had exchanged greetings before, and had spoken a couple of times. She seemed to contagious energy and could easily make friends with anyone.
—Kondou-san…? Natsuru-san… I heard that she’s friends with Senou Natsuru, the boy.
—We met by chance at the spa earlier.
In a way, Shizuku emphasized the word “chance”.
—Is he unconscious?
—Yes, it seems that something shocked him.
For some reason, Natsuru and Akane seemed uncomfortable with those words. Shizuku continues: “Hey, Kaede, it’s late and it’s dangerous for a girl to walk back alone, couldn’t you let Kondou-san go?” Does it also remain?
The surprise came from Natsuru and Akane.
—W-What-…?
-Chairwoman…
They were so surprised that they both looked like they had swallowed foam.
However, Kaede was surprisingly calm.
-Alright.
-Thank you.
Shizuku gave thanks indifferently, ignoring the two women in a hurry.
And then, as if it were a natural thing to do, the student council president added:
—Kondou-san will accompany Senou-san.
—Natsuru-san?
-Yeah.
Shizuku gave him a fleeting glance.
Natsuru, whether she had changed her mind about rejecting him or not, simply nodded.
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I’m Tsukiji. I bring you the fourth volume of Kämpfer.
The other day, I was talking to the editor in charge and we said something like, “This is already the fourth voluSince we did two consecutive months at the beginning, I feel like the publishing pace is strangely fast.
(In fact, it is.) If we keep this up, we’ll probably reach volume six by the end of the year. Wow, amazing! In the first half of this story, a “maid-themed café” appears. As I’m quite unfamiliar with this For those kinds of situations, I didn’t go to a real maid café to do research. I don’t usually go to those kinds of pAkihabara. In fact, years ago I went to a maid cafe once with some writers, but I barely remember it. I’m so confused I don’t even know if that café still exists. So I asked a friend who
He works there.
She answered bluntly, “It’s just like any other coffee shop.” Upon closer listening, it turns out that she only… They dress like maids, but they operate like a normal coffee shop. I asked, “Don’t they write with ketchup?” They play darts together or point a gun at each other’s heads saying, “If you don’t give orders, I’ll kill you!”, but When I asked him about the last thing, he ignored me and asked someone else.
An acquaintance of mine (an anime producer by profession) has become hooked on a maid-themed cafe, so I I immediately asked him. And he started telling me things without me even asking. He said: “There you can pla”maids, and if you win, you can take pictures together in a purikura booth.” He showed me an example, and I s
“Small and I don’t understand.” He said, “It doesn’t matter!” I didn’t understand what was so great about it, but IMost of the things I asked him were intense, so they ended up being just a product of my own imagination. Imagination in the work. I’d like to go to a themed cafe like that in real life, even if I get ripped off, that’s fine. ThThat’s all for now.
May 2007
Toshihiko Tsukiji