Vol. 10 Ch. 3

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Vol. 10 Ch. 3

Chapter 3

Kampfer – Volume 10

Chapter 3

Kampfer – Volume 10

I entered the assigned room and placed my luggage. A Western-style room with a bed and a simple… desk. There was a reading lamp on the nightstand. Ooh, there’s a toilet in the closet. This looks like It’s somehow a former inn. There’s no shower, though.

I put my bag on the bed for now. I thought about heading to the living room, but then I remembered and opened

my bag.

I took a stuffed animal out of there.

—Hey, how are you?

—… You don’t seem very cheerful, do you?

—But you can talk, right?

Harakiritora seemed to want to complain.

—They locked me in a cramped space and I had to stay still. If I were human, I’d be exhibiting a

complaint.

—But synthetic materials do not have the right to litigate.

And if a visceral animal were to file a complaint, it would be against the manufacturer, right?

—For now I’ll let you go, so don’t worry.

—No problem, but… is this Sakura-san’s house?

—Yes, it seems it used to be a boarding house.

—Hey, I think I’ve been here before, but I’m not sure.

—Are the stuffed animals traveling too?

If that’s the case, we’re finished. I moved Harakiritora next to the pillow and left the room.

I went back to the living room from before. The girls were already inside.

The interior had a kind of hanging chandelier, more like a stately hall than a living room.

Was it a hobby of the previous owner? Luxurious armchairs, a mix of elegant chairs and tables, a sofa for For some reason, a flat-screen television and a pool table.

-Billiards?

Kampfer – Volume 10

Without thinking, I uttered the words. It definitely feels like something from a rich person’s house. But do they also have these kinds of hobbies in this house? Although he turns a ping-pong table into a

hot springs inn.

Can Natsuru play billiards?

I shook my head at Shizuku’s words.

-Not at all.

—I’ll show you later, so sit down for now.

How can this girl be? Isn’t there anything she doesn’t like?

Since the table was round, we faced each other two by two. My forehead was Mikoto’s, but she kept looking tow On the other hand, what’s so nervous about her?

Shizuku spoke. Since she was older, she naturally assumed that role.

—We should talk now. We need to coordinate before Kaede gets here.

With trepidation, I asked a question.

—Is it bad if Sakura-san is there?

-That’s how it is.

—Does that mean Sakura-san might be planning something?

-Of course.

The answer was very concise. Clearly, Shizuku has been on her guard ever since she arrived here.

Shizuku and Sakura-san should be childhood friends, but their way of thinking is really dry.

I completely separate friendship from judging situations. The difference between not abandoning my love for Sakura-san and I are huge. This also serves as proof that I am superior in loving others.

This is one of the reasons why I think she looks like someone from CG. Although they should be friends.

At least. We’re not in a military hierarchy. But she sees it as something natural.

—I want to eliminate as many suspicious elements as possible.

It must be difficult for Sakura-san, who is our friend. But she is helping us right now.

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—Kaede is acting like nothing ever happened between us. Even though we fought so much. And Mishimasan s —I hit my target… with my shot.

Akane remains silent. She seems to succumb to self-pity as she recalls her “angry dog” mode.

—But he doesn’t seem to have any injuries…

—Yes. But that’s Kaede. If Mishima-san shot her and Kaede took the hit, it was all because of her.

—Do you understand…?

—Yes, because we’re childhood friends. There’s no mistake about it being the same person.

This agrees with my reasoning. If I can understand it, then surely Shizuku can too.

You will easily understand.

—I think it’s more accurate to think that only the personality changes completely. Don’t you think the body…

Will it also be strengthened as a result?

—But when we become Kämpfer, our memories are the same too. Although the

personality… is different…

Her voice softened, perhaps because she was thinking about herself. Akane in wild dog mode He becomes an extremely violent person, surprising even the yakuza.

Although I didn’t say anything, I wanted to question Akane’s words. About having the same memories.

—I believe Kaede is a different kind of existence than a Kämpfer.

It wasn’t a definitive statement, but its tone was clear.

Shizuku’s instincts were rarely wrong. As I mentioned earlier, this is due to the conclusion drawn. from the accumulation of data. Everyone present in that place knew it.

However, it would be good if he moderated his behavior a little more. There’s probably a conclusion to be reach

that says that the normal Sakura-san loves me taken from the data.

Well, even if I said it out loud, I’d only be scorned, so I kept quiet. It seems that Akane has something she wants to ask.

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—If he’s not a Kämpfer, what kind of person is he…?

—I have no idea. But since it heals wounds, it seems like there must be some kind of special power involved, ri —Really? Incredible!

—We do too when we become Kämpfer. Our bodies become more resilient. If you They think that way, it’s not strange.

It is true that when he transforms into Kämpfer, he is less likely to get hurt and recovers faster. Fortunately, I’ve never broken anything and I’ve never been through that kind of experience. As for I don’t really know about diseases.

—But if the bullet wounds disappear, perhaps they have a more active metabolism than we do.

-What the devil.

This was me.

—Perhaps they also have more strength, don’t you think?

—…

There was a brief silence in the room. Although the Kämpfer’s physical abilities were superhuman,

Sakura-san was going even further. In addition to the weapons, which were previously a sword and a pistol, the

changed.

Among the Kämpfer who carried two weapons was Shizuku. She wielded two daggers with chains.

The girl I had fought earlier carried two pistols. Sakura-san didn’t have two, but two types.

of weapons. That’s something I’ve never heard of before. Maybe he was simply twice as strong? —It seems he’s also gained experience. Although if it’s only double, we still have the advantage, but

accumulating experience is problematic.

—Where do you think I gain experience?

—Come on, that’s fine! Maybe he was fighting somewhere we don’t know. It will be difficult because he’s

a veteran.

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Although she doesn’t seem worried at all. For now, I understand that something complicated is about to happen Also, Sakura-san is a bit too unsettling. There might be bullets and swords flying at the Kämpfer Festival.

Like something out of a Tarantino movie.

Wow, why am I acting like it’s none of my business? I’m involved, so I should be clearer. No I really understand. Am I rambling?

—…Shall we have some tea?

Akane got up and brought the tea set. What’s this doing here? Now that I think about it, I’m thirsty. I was talking

drink nothing.

Akane prepared black tea. A pleasant aroma filled the room. It wasn’t tea bags, it was loose leaf tea.

True. Incredible.

He placed it in front of everyone.

-Thank you.

Shizuku drank slowly. This woman is good at drinking quietly. By the way, it seems she also

He can walk without making a sound. Even if they say, “What’s the point of that?”, he could use it as a skill.

Special! Working part-time in a haunted house or something.

—… A little while ago, I said something that would worry everyone.

Shizuku puts the cup on the saucer.

—There’s more.

Further?

—About the white Kämpfers.

—Ah…

It was me who answered in a silly voice. I just remembered that the malevolent Sakura-san said, “I’ll take the Kä “Whites too.”

—Have they arrived yet, perhaps?

—I haven’t seen them, I suppose not.

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Said.

—I didn’t sense the presence of other people at the entrance.

—They don’t necessarily have to be in this house.

Shizuku easily refuted my theory.

—They might be close. But there’s no point in being too far apart.

—Do you plan to fight them too?

-Of course.

—Even with the other Sakura-san… the one from the dark side?

-That’s how it is.

In an instant, the atmosphere became heavy.

This is too much. There are already people with heavy loads. Besides, there are four of them, aren’t we at a dis

in terms of numbers?

—… Aren’t there any more cheerful topics?

—There aren’t any, but at least this one is bad.

—I want a cheerful song!

—How about listening to rakugo (traditional Japanese comedic stories)? I can perform if you’d like.

I was surprised, but thinking about it, it wasn’t so unexpected. Her dream was to be a rakugo performer. Maybe Only at night. A woman who fit the mold of black magic practicing rakugo was creepy.

different way.

“No, it’s fine,” I said. Shizuku looked a little disappointed. Maybe she wanted to do it?

—This is not a time for laughter.

—Laughter is a good thing.

—Is there no hope for our future? We only understood the unfavorable situation!

—Yes, perhaps it was careless to come so easily when you think about it.

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It’s problematic to say something like that at this point. I was the only one Sakura-san called.

I stared at Shizuku.

—I think the president expected this kind of thing.

—I was.

—So, why did you come?

—It’s something that’s going to happen eventually anyway. It’d better happen soon.

The way she accepts it is amazing. I think humans tend to postpone dealing with bad things, but she wants to.

He solves it quickly. He’s the type who finishes his summer assignments quickly and moves on to studying othe Things. Those people often reach their limit and ask others for help. If it were me, I would ask a friend to I copied it.

—So, Madam President…

As she asked, Akane opened her mouth.

—Do you intend to end it all here?

-Of course.

Without wasting a moment. No. Woaah!

“It’s best to close the curtain quickly, that’s how it’s done,” he simply said.

And then, a brief silence. Everyone drank their tea in silence.

Several thoughts raced through my mind… how should I express it? But unfortunately, the only thing in

What I was thinking was “I need to go to the bathroom.”

Putting the bath aside for a moment, I was also thinking about what to do with Sakura-san. She’s someone

whom I admire, and although our relationship has become complicated recently, I still believe that “Sakura-san” “normal” has not completely disappeared.

What does she think of me? She only sees me as one of her friends. How should I handle this distance? It’s complicated. I want to eliminate the malicious aspect and keep only the normal side. But if I do that, our The relationship will remain the same. Everything we’ve built would be in vain.

Kampfer – Volume 10

Should I give up? Hmm, I don’t know either. After all, Sakura-san is a reserved beauty, and I don’t have any oth

options.

Options? Now that I think about it… oh no, they confessed to me. Lucky me!

Aah, this just complicates things. Sakura-san isn’t paying attention to me, my childhood friend is chasing after m The student council president looks like a computer.

There’s no one who isn’t prickly. Preferably, a woman I like.

My taste… is there anyone?

While I was thinking about that, without realizing it, the contents of the cup had been emptied. Did I drink it witho

account?

“Staying silent won’t get us anywhere,” Shizuku said suddenly. I was startled. Maybe She may have also read my current thoughts. With her, it’s possible…

“Let’s do what we can now. Simply talking and unifying our intentions is quite enough.”

“Different. Also, Kondou-san,” Shizuku spoke in a slightly stiff tone, surprising Mikoto.

—Wh-What!?

—Stop being aware of Senou-kun.

—No—I’m not conscious…

Mikoto avoided looking at me and her body shrank slightly.

Shizuku’s tone was like that of a boss reprimanding a subordinate who had failed. It felt like

a “student council president”.

—You are. Have you spoken since you arrived in this room?

—He may have spoken, but…

—You’re not talking. I don’t know what’s going to happen from now on. Kaede could change completely. Maybe The White Kämpfers attack us. Communication between us is very important. It would be problematic if

things got tense.

—N-… That’s not it! There’s simply nothing to say, that’s why I’m not speaking…

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“Don’t lie,” he said decisively.

—I’m not telling you to resolve your conflict with Senou-kun, just forget about it for now.

—It’s not easy…

Was it so difficult to confess to you?

Upon hearing these words, Mikoto blushed intensely and Akane jumped out of her chair.

—W-… W-…

—Ko-Ko-Ko-Ko-Kondou-san, did you confess to Natsuru-san!? It’s true!?

There was no answer to Akane’s question. However, just from her expression, she seemed to have Everything understood.

—To suddenly confide a love to Na-Natsuru-san…?

—It’s not that surprising, is it?

Shizuku continued naturally.

—I did it too.

At this, not only Akane, but Mikoto and then I were surprised.

—Pre-Pre-Pre-Pre-President!?

Akane’s pronunciation of “President” was odd. Although, I suppose it would be the same if I spoke.

—Kohon, kohon, did you confess!?

—Yes, I told him. I told Senou-kun that I loved him and that he should go out with me.

Why is this person talking as if they’re saying, “I’m just going to the convenience store for a moment”?

Is confession like finding ten yen on the street?

Akane compared Shizuku and me at an incredible speed. The speed at which she shook her head was

abnormal.

—So, what was Natsuru-san’s response?

—Nothing yet.

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Shizuku said it again naturally.

—After resolving this matter, we promised to receive a response. I believe Kondou-san will too.

He should be in the same situation. That’s why he’s so aware.

Mikoto blushed even more and looked down. Akane murmured, “That’s right…” —…Why is the president unaware then?

—I’m doing it.

Oh really?

—Every time I talk to Senou-kun, I get emotional. I can’t even look him in the eyes.

Is that true? You’re always looking people in the eye when you speak. You’re not nervous or anything like that. forever.

Not only me, Akane was also lying with that expression.

—B-But, Natsuru-san promised me. I originally intended to introduce him to my parents. I thought Introducing ourselves as a couple, saying we’re dating…

Huh? No, we’re not… Akane, who blushed when she said we were dating, was looking

She stared intently at Shizuku, but unlike Shizuku, she didn’t seem to be a shy, bespectacled girl.

—I didn’t just lose money at the anime store. That’s in the past.

—I’ve also kissed Natsuru-san.

—I did it too. And Kondou-san did as well.

—Even my heart…

—I was once knocked down and almost raped.

—Then I would do even more amazing things with Natsuru-san too.

For some reason, Akane spoke with complete confidence. Lately, she didn’t hesitate much, even with her

interlocutor.

—Let’s take our relationship with Natsuru-san to the next level.

-So…

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And the fact that he surrendered beforehand was a truly astonishing sight. If anyone from the council If a student witnessed it, he would be stunned.

—That’s fine. After this is over, I’ll get a response from Natsuru…

—Not necessarily.

Akane spoke again with confidence.

—While I’m here, we could strengthen our relationship.

-Hey!?

I was completely surprised. Perhaps Akane chose her words carefully out of politeness.

No, things like that don’t matter. What does it mean to deepen the relationship? Is that why? Although I’m really

new to this.

—Ah, Akane-chan…!

It wasn’t Shizuku who shouted that, it was Mikoto. What’s going on now?

—What do you plan to do with Natsuru!?

—I can’t say it out loud.

—Of course, but… that’s not it!

Mikoto recovers.

—Even I…

—It’s not like, whoever gets there first gets the prize?

—Even I, along with the president, took down Natsuru.

—Uh… what are you doing?

-Alright.

—This isn’t right! Natsuru is dating me!

—But it’s with me! I confessed to him first!

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Mikoto regains all her energy and goes towards Akane. Although in a weakened, bespectacled version, she doe Absolutely. I could only pray that this hurricane would somehow pass.

Shizuku, on the other hand, hadn’t participated in the conversation. She stared intently at the door.

—Let it stay where it is. Silently, as always.

Even though her voice was soft, there was a pressure in her words. Akane, Mikoto, and I all felt that way.

We unconsciously straighten our posture.

The door opened. Sakura-san entered.

—Sorry to keep you waiting. I was busy with some deliveries and got a little delayed… Here you go

some sweets.

Sakura-san was holding a tray of pastries. From shortcakes and cheesecakes to fruit and sweets.

strangers, all colorful.

—Th-Thank you.

I said, nervously, thanking them.

—Thank you, Kaede.

Shizuku remained calm. Although it was a common occurrence, what was wrong with this girl?

—I’m sure you have tea… Oh, no!

Sakura-san, as she placed the tray on the table, brought a hand to her mouth.

—Oh, I forgot something. Please, eat.

And so, he left again.

Pat pat pat… his footsteps faded away.

—That was close!

Shizuku said.

—If I heard someone fighting like that, it would be hard to hide it.

—If she’s the president, I suppose she’ll sort it out…

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Akane said. Both Mikoto and I agreed.

—Anyway, stop fighting over Senou-kun now.

—Why? Because it’s yours?

—You’re very direct… Well, you can be free. But in return, you’ll have to do what you must. We could have What to fight for here after all.

Shizuku was implicitly saying, “pay attention.” Yes, being prepared for the worst isn’t just a motto.

For the police or the army. Especially us, the Kämpfer. We are beings meant to fight.

—Understood? And, act as normal as possible in front of Kaede. Stay calm until her mood changes. personality.

—I’m not very good at acting and that…

—Do it anyway.

I got rejected. Tch. I’ll have to reminisce about my time working at a “maid-type cafe” while I do this.

—And one last proposal.

Shizuku said.

—When it comes to a battle, we may have to give instructions at every moment.

Shouldn’t the president be in charge?

I agree with Akane. Mikoto probably does too.

Shizuku speaks up.

—Exactly. If they call me president, we’ll all get confused. Besides, it’s annoying to have to use the “-san” suffix From now on, please call us by our names. To me, Mishima-san is Akane. And to Kondou-san, he is Mikoto. That makes it easier in battle.

It’s like a football game. In crucial moments that require speed, you can’t afford to be formal.

We are also in a similar situation.

Mikoto asks, “So is it okay if we call you Shizuku, President?” —Yes, of course. That’s right. We’re colleagues, after all.

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With those words, the tension dissipates slightly.

Guys, huh? I understand. I’m sure the ability to handle these conversations is also part of it.

Shizuku’s technique. The absurd arguments seem to be slowly calming down.

—So you should also call me Shizuku from now on.

His gaze is fixed on me.

—Understood, Natsuru.

This kind of thing was planned by her, we all thought that at the time.

■

A little while later, Sakura-san returned. Smiling. Definitely, your smile is the most fitting expression for you.

—How was the cake?

Sakura-san asked.

—I did it all myself.

-This?

I asked without thinking. Based on the taste, shape, and color, I thought it was store-bought.

—Yes. Since I invited everyone, I got excited early on.

Ah, that’s why she couldn’t come pick me up. Sakura-san is amazing. She’ll make a good wife. Even though she She cooks well, she’s very different from Shizuku.

She also changed the tea leaves and poured me another cup. She’s very thoughtful.

Sakura-san also sat down in a chair.

—Being here with all of you is like a dream.

—You’re exaggerating.

Shizuku didn’t talk about the conversation she had just had.

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—Didn’t you stay in your apartment?

—But Natsuru-san wasn’t there. Many people will be happy.

—There was a lot of visceral animal merchandise there, wasn’t there?

—There are hardly any here. I want to put them in the collection room of my apartment.

It seems to be a kind of anxiety about not having everything in one place. It seems Sakura-san is

She feels truly happy when surrounded by visceral animal merchandise. I’m more disorganized and not I can organize things. Sometimes I arrive late after searching everywhere, also because my books The texts are on the first and second floors.

—By the way, what did you come here for?

—Ah, this.

What Sakura-san left on the table was a notebook. It wasn’t a notebook about visceral animals. Perhaps like

A collector can’t use it. Instead, there was a sticker of a walrus on it. I remember that

The walrus had recently become somewhat popular for drowning despite being a marine animal.

—Here, people who visit my house are asked to write their names here. It will be a nice souvenir later.

—It looks like a guestbook, doesn’t it?

—You’re expressing that in a strange way, Shizuku-chan.

—It’s the same as a regular notebook in a boarding house. Can I see it?

Shizuku receives Sakura-san’s notebook and flips through it.

—Is the name alone enough?

—It would be nice to have a few more words. Oh, and please, Natsuru and the others, write too. others.

Sakura-san looks at me with a smile.

-Alright.

—It’s lovely that guests come and leave notes in the notebook. Perhaps, when I read it when I’m older, She will be overcome with nostalgia and will end up crying.

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Wow. What a typical little girl’s dream. I, on the other hand, had been thinking about writing without leaving a tra

avoiding any evidence. It seems that in the end, as a man, I must cooperate.

Shizuku moves the pen with ease. Her movement is fluid.

—Here, Natsuru.

Wow, he called me by my name right in front of Sakura-san. Although it seems Sakura-san doesn’t mind.

Importance. Ah, no doubt, the conversation is drifting towards the idea that Shizuku and I are dating. together or something like that.

The notebook is still open, using a new page. In the upper left corner, it said “Mikage” Shizuku” horizontally. There was only the date, and no other words.

It’s really beautiful handwriting. Shouldn’t you be in a calligraphy club or something? I have a habit of

My vertical lines don’t come out straight, so I’ll never be able to write like that. The balance between the left and The right side is also wrong.

I wrote “Senou Natsuru.” Damn, it’s still crooked. It’s too mediocre to have any character.

When I tried to pass it to Akane, Shizuku spoke.

—Kaede, are there any tea leaves to replace red tea?

—I’m sorry. I guess it’s become used material.

—It’s quite light.

—I’ll bring a new one.

Sakura-san came out with the teapot in her hands. Shizuku checked and suddenly took my notebook away.

—Hey, what are you doing?

—Look here. All of you too.

Shizuku turned the previous page. We looked inside the notebook.

Where she pointed was written “Kuzuhara Midori” and signed.

—Nice name, isn’t it?

—Not only that. Who do you think it is?

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-… I don’t know.

—The girl who was on the student council. The Kämpfer with the two pistols.

-That-!?

I found myself staring at the signature. Now that I think about it, Kuzuhara was her last name. I don’t know her f I was on the student council, so I guess Shizuku’s words must be true.

Sakura said, “I make everyone who comes to my house sign a guestbook.” Kuzuhara came here once too. Wha What happened here?

—Uhm…

Akane speaks hesitantly.

—After Kuzuhara fainted, the president… Shizuku took her away, right?

—I want you to call me by my first name.

—I’m sorry… And then what happened?

Now that you mention it, Shizuku took her to a place unknown to us. What could have happened? Kuzuhara herself has become an erased existence at the school. It’s not that the students and

teachers “know it and keep quiet”, but from the beginning it became an existence

Unknown. Since she was never there, there’s no confusion. I’m also worried about what happened to her paren and so on, but I had no way of knowing.

—It wasn’t a big deal.

When Shizuku speaks like that, it’s probably something important.

—I threw it away.

—Hey, where!?

I was surprised. Disposing of erotic magazines is not the same. In the past, it seemed popular to throw them in But my recommendation is to discreetly dispose of them in the trash cans of convenience stores.

—Behind the school.

—Behind? Is that okay?

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—It wasn’t ideal, but I left it somewhere inconspicuous. When I went to check on it the next day, it was gone. I k that was going to disappear.

—Why did you know that?

—Because that’s what a senpai did.

This senpai was the one who taught Shizuku everything about Kämpfer. I’ve never seen her, so I don’t know he

appearance. I just know that Shizuku admired her.

—It will disappear somewhere. Really, yes. So Kazuhara’s signature here is the only proof that She was alive.

What she said carried weight. We were all silent, not daring to make a joke.

—We will too, if we lose, we probably will.

I don’t want that to happen.

Without thinking, we all fell silent. The air felt heavy. Aren’t there any lighter stories than this? count?

Shizuku reached out and turned the pages of the notebook.

—… There are other names, right?

—Yes, there are.

—Are they all Kämpfers?

—There must be normal people too, don’t you know exactly how many there are?

—Perhaps the Kämpfers will come to Sakura-san’s summer house.

-Could be.

Shizuku passed the notebook to Akane. Akane flipped through it a bit and wrote her own name.

Then Mikoto began to write. Just as she finished, Sakura-san returned.

—I brought tea. There’s still cake left, but if you eat too much now, you won’t be able to have dinner.

Sakura-san prepared cups in the new teapot and placed them on the table. I helped a little.

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—Ah, Sakura-san. Are we the only ones staying over tonight?

-Yes that’s how it is.

She answered with a smile.

—The guest room is full. If Natsuru-san is with you… she can stay in my room. room.

She said timidly. She was referring to me.

Sakura-san also participated in the conversation, but it was unimportant. In fact, Sakura-san didn’t…

I was looking at her a lot. Please, give me more of that beautiful smile. Please let me see that beautiful smile.

As dinner was near, we decided to return to our rooms.

—I’m sorry, can anyone help with preparing dinner?

—So, I…

Akane volunteered. She’s a good cook.

The two of them went downstairs. Shizuku went to her room. And I tried to go back to my room too.

—Uhm, Natsuru.

They called me. I turned around.

—Before dinner, there’s something I want to say. Is that okay?

Saying that, it was Mikoto.

■

Akane was led by Kaede to the kitchen. The kitchen was on the first floor, attached to the living room.

It also served as a dining room.

—Woah…

Akane was surprised.

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—It’s so big…

The kitchen in this house is like a restaurant kitchen, with a well-installed sink and stove.

on one side wall, and there’s even a dedicated fryer for fried food. The enormous hood is the

Smoke extractor. Everything is made of stainless steel and although it’s years old, it was in brilliant condition. polished.

—It’s impressive, isn’t it?

Kaede expressed a slight sense of pride.

—When we bought the boarding house, there was a discussion about removing this, but we managed to keep i Even if there are many guests, we can prepare the food.

—It must be difficult to do it alone…

—That’s why I’m grateful to have Mishima-san helping me.

They got to work immediately. The main course would be chicken with vegetables and corn soup. In addition, You could choose between bread or rice according to your taste.

They took meat and vegetables out of the refrigerator. This refrigerator is also for commercial use and is quite la It looks like it’s going to use a lot of electricity.

—Mishima-san, is there any dish you don’t know how to cook?

Kaede asked as she handed Akane an apron. Akane shook her head.

-No.

—Then we can divide the tasks. I’ll take care of the cooking, so I’ll leave the preparation to you.

OK?

-Alright.

Akane nodded. They both put on aprons and started cooking.

They both worked skillfully, so everything went smoothly. They seemed more like professional chefs.

high school students.

The sound of the stove being turned on in the kitchen could be heard, as well as the water running.

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—Is there any food that Natsuru doesn’t like?

It was Kaede who asked. Akane pondered.

-I don’t think so.

—And Mishima-san?

—I don’t have one. Although I don’t like sticky things.

—Thank goodness. And Kondou-san?

—I don’t believe it at all. He said he could even eat insects.

Kaede showed a surprised expression.

—Do you eat insects…?

—He said that surprisingly they were fine and laughed.

When I first heard it, I was even surprised. Mikoto doesn’t seem to care at all because

to its long life in harsh environments. It seems to care neither for snakes nor tree roots. Without However, it seems that he prefers his food to be cooked.

—Shizuku has no food preferences.

Kaede says with a smile.

—I ate everything since I was little. Although I don’t eat insects, I was told I wasn’t picky and didn’t mind. problems, according to their parents.

—Now that you mention it, I also ate very fast.

—Shizuku has no flaws. I think she’d be cuter with at least one small flaw.

Akane agreed with that. The student council president was good at everything, without

need for help from others. Besides, she was beautiful and had a good figure. Until now, that had been

turned into a kind of “difficulty in approaching”.

—But since you started dating Natsuru-san, you seem to be a little kinder.

-Oh really…?

—Yes. Just a little. As if she’d become more like a child.

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—…

Akane didn’t answer. She didn’t like the idea of ■■”going out with Natsuru.” Talking so casually made her feel..

It would be even worse. And also the part about “becoming more like a child”.

Incidentally, Akane remembered that she didn’t get along well with Kaede. Although she had forgotten about tha In recent riots, Kaede was in a different position than a love rival.

—Shizuku-chan is also a high school student. We are too.

She felt a little uncomfortable displaying that femininity to a boy. And especially because of Natsuru.

I was in that direction.

—Sakura-san… do you know Shizuku-san well?

—Of course. Shizuku-chan is someone to admire.

—Regarding that person… for example, did you think about hurting them or something like that?

-Hey?

—Well, so… you would think about hurting Shizuku-san, something like that…

Kaede frowned slightly.

—Mishima-san, please stop. That’s not right.

-I’m sorry…

“You shouldn’t do that to Shizuku-chan. We’re friends, you know?”

That could be normal, Akane thought too. But Kaede displayed a different kind of murderous intensity. She didn

to hesitate to hurt someone, even if it was Shizuku.

So, does the woman in front of her really have a separate personality? But what triggers these…

changes?

The water in the pot has started to boil. Kaede turns down the heat.

—Shizuku-chan is a good cook, but… are you too, Mishima-san?

—Yes, I am. But if it’s Kon-… I mean, Mikoto-san, it would most likely be curry.

—Do you like curry?

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—Mikoto-san loves him so much that it seems to worry Natsuru.

—I like curry too. There aren’t many people who don’t like it, are there?

True, but Mikoto’s case is strange. Natsuru’s assertion that “instead of blood, what runs through her veins is…” “curry” sounds strangely believable.

—Is Kondou-san cooking for Natsuru-san?

—It seems so…

Making an ambiguous statement was a bit like a woman’s heart. Secretly, Akane thought that if If it were her, she would do more than just curry to get him to try it.

—Natsuru-san and Kondou-san are childhood friends, aren’t they?

—Yes. They used to be together all the time when they were children…

—Natsuru-san is popular, huh?

—It really is…

Akane muttered that she was having a hard time. Being too nice to Shizuku already seemed excessive.

She was relieved that Natsuru was admiring Kaede; to that extent, she was a bulwark against it.

Comforting. Although Kaede, from time to time, changes drastically.

—Does Kondou-san like Natsuru-san too?

Kaede said that while chopping vegetables. Akane turned around, preparing the meat.

Rub together several spices. I knew that home cooking would be enough, but I wanted to serve something more It was a special occasion. Generously sprinkle cornstarch on the chicken and pound it with your hands. —Sakura-san, after this…

She turns around and is surprised. Kaede, who was supposedly cooking until now, wasn’t there. With a The knife and vegetables, cut only in half, were gone.

—…Sakura-san?

She wasn’t in the kitchen at all.

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■

Mikoto and I went outside. She said, “It would be nice to be outside.” And then this woman didn’t try anymore. talk more.

We didn’t leave through the front door, but through a secret back door. It was there that I realized why

This is the first time I’ve seen this house with such a huge backyard. Are there so many trees planted and a swi Can you swim in the pool without any problems? Are there no sharks?

It’s getting dark because it’s late in the afternoon. Soon it will be completely dark. The sounds of The insects will surely be beautiful. The distant howl of a wolf will surely not be heard.

We both walked to the base of a tree. Of course, this one also belongs to this house.

I am standing in front of Mikoto.

Although… we didn’t look at each other. Mikoto is looking down. She doesn’t look like she’s going to look up.

Although I too can’t help but feel tense and unable to start a conversation.

Despite having left, we’re both in this situation. It doesn’t make sense. Should I be the one to initiate the

Conversation at least? But Mikoto was the one who invited me. It would be more appropriate if she said so. However, she says nothing. There’s no other option. I have to be the one to speak. Even though I have nothing

mind.

I take a deep breath. Why am I doing this? Oh well, never mind. One, two, three.

—”Uhm…”

The same words came from Mikoto as well. Oh no, was she trying to speak too? I was wrong.

And we were both speechless. It was like the timing was off or something.

—Ah… no… I-I’m sorry!

My voice turned inside out and my tongue got tangled.

—Sorry to interrupt you. Um… you first.

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—I-I didn’t mean to interrupt! Natsuru… please.

Mikoto even extended her hand. A tour guide?

—No, I don’t talk much…

-Me neither…

—Hey. You were the one who invited us.

In the end, continuing to talk in any way I could proved effective, and I began to feel more relaxed.

—We’ll have dinner soon. Let’s hurry.

—Y-Yes, you’re right.

Mikoto seemed to be clenching a fist. I hope she’s not planning to hit me with it. Or perhaps she is.

Trying to motivate myself subconsciously? I remember when I was a child and used to walk around with my fists squeezed together, scaring other boys.

-… What’s happening?

What’s happening?

—Well… I guess I’m supposed to have confessed now.

—It’s not like you confessed or anything.

—I’m the one who made the confession. That’s something I can’t give up.

—Y-Yes, that’s true… Uhm… about the answer to the confession, I can give it to you later…

-OK that’s fine.

It’s not just Mikoto. Shizuku is like that too. Fair and equitable in a way. Although the president of the The student council behaves with complete composure.

—I understand that, but lately I can barely sleep. I’m constantly thinking about the confession that I did it to Natsuru…

I’ve been worried too, but I’m sleeping pretty well. What a girly girl she is.

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—So, in short, I can’t stop thinking about Natsuru, whether I’m asleep or awake… and I can’t even Look at it decently. Even talking about it makes my heart beat fast and I feel like I’m burning up. the face…

-Yeah…

I can only keep nodding like this. If I say the wrong thing, it’ll seem like they despise me for life.

—Natsuru, if you said to me, “Okay,” what would I do? We could go on a date somewhere. In the ruins.

From the cave in Huasteca, Mexico, it would be great if we could scare away bats together…

—…

I shouldn’t say it’s strange.

“I was planning to stop talking to Natsuru until he got back today, but… no, Shizuku warned me. Something like

Akane-chan is calm, and I don’t understand at all what Natsuru is thinking.

—I’m thinking about a lot of things too. About today.

It had never occurred to me to think about cave ruins, but at least I was thinking about Sakura-san. No He had been sleeping the whole time.

Mikoto is now staring at me.

-… It’s true?

-… Of course.

He wasn’t lying about what he thought.

—It sounds like it’s about Sakura-san… And, uhm, uhm, ever since the train, I’ve been thinking about something

time.

—Are you going out on an excavation or something? Be careful about contagious diseases.

—Don’t make fun of me. I can only say it now.

What’s wrong? You’re not going to stab me here, are you? Or say you’d rather be robbed than me? This is too m Too much like an overdose of drama.

—Uhm, uhm, it’s just that…

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Mikoto squirmed uncomfortably. She didn’t seem to want to get to the main point.

—What’s happening?

—Don’t make fun of me…

-I won’t do it.

“This might be dishonest, but… even if Natsuru leaves me, I want us to remain friends…” Mikoto’s words almost faded away, but at the same time they were clear.

—I like Natsuru, but I also care about him a lot as a friend. So…

Mikoto bowed her head.

-Please…

This gesture was not typical of Mikoto, but I could clearly understand what she was doing. From an objective perspective, seeing a woman bowing her head to a man could only be

interpret it as if he were waiting for a loan or rejecting a love confession.

However, reality was different. And I couldn’t make fun of it.

—I understand, Mikoto.

-Really…?

—Why do you always doubt me?

—Natsuru isn’t a liar, but he’s not very intelligent either.

—I don’t deny it, but don’t say it now. We’ll always be friends.

-It’s true.

-Of course.

Mikoto’s face suddenly lit up. Then, with an exaggerated gesture, she placed her hand on her chest.

—What a relief… I was wondering what I would do if you had rejected me until now.

—I haven’t responded to your confession yet.

—Yes… but whatever it is, it’s fine. I’ll accept it.

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That’s a good thing. Actually, I felt relieved.

I looked up at the sky. Stars. It had gone completely dark. Sakura-san’s house was lit up too.

lit.

—Let’s go back, Mikoto.

-Alright.

I went ahead and returned home. Through the back door, though. Of course, I didn’t want to be seen by anyone these types of situations?

■

Actually, at that moment, Natsuru was returning alone.

Mikoto tried to follow him home. Although she seemed different from her usual energetic self, she still showed a

shyness.

At that moment, a voice echoed from behind her.

—Uhm…

The voice didn’t reach Natsuru. However, Mikoto heard it clearly.

She turned around. A shadow vaguely visible in the garden.

—Uhm, Kondou-san.

Kaede was there.

No one knew where it had come from, since it was in the middle of the backyard. It didn’t seem to have come ou

The back entrance didn’t seem to have been surrounded, nor did anyone appear to have come from the main e more than he thought about it.

—…Sakura-san?

-Yeah.

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Kaede’s smile didn’t change. Only her expression seemed a little tense.

-What’s happening?

—Excuse me, I was watching something with Natsuru-san.

Mikoto felt a little annoyed.

—It’s not a good pastime.

—Kondou-san is cute, isn’t she? She has a feminine air about her.

—I am a woman.

Kaede approached slowly. The sound of her footsteps was barely audible. Mikoto, somehow, couldn’t. look away from her.

—Did you confess to Natsuru-san?

—Yes, but…

—And what did he reply?

—… I still haven’t received a response.

—What a shame, isn’t it?

Kaede suddenly stops. She’s still smiling. She was undoubtedly beautiful and exuded a certain aura. comforting. He had his hands behind his back.

—But I don’t think you’ll get a positive answer, Kondou-san.

—What do you mean by that?

This time, Mikoto clearly expressed her displeasure. There was no reason for them to speak to her like that, eve

had invited.

—How do you know that?

—I asked Natsuru-san to get closer to Shizuku-chan.

—…

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—Shizuku-chan is a nuisance. So I asked Natsuru-san to fix it. It seems she’s not…

It was working well, so I suggested that I “took” it by storm.

Kaede spoke as if it were something trivial. In fact, her tone of voice was normal and she even seemed to be I was enjoying it. But the content was surprising.

—So please, leave it alone, Kondou-san.

—E-… This is no joke!

Mikoto screamed.

“Why are you suddenly telling me this?! I’ve been in love with Natsuru for a long time too!”

Don’t do anything unnecessary. If Natsuru rejects me, I can accept it, but I don’t want a stranger telling me what

to do!

—I’m the one who likes Natsuru-san, you know?

—I’m going to make him pay attention to me! Not to someone like you.

—I’m not “you”, I’m Kaede Sakura.

—You’re not Sakura-san, you’re someone else using Sakura-san’s body, right?

Mikoto leaped back, creating distance. This agility was honed from when she fought against a

jungle smuggling organization.

And he lightly pressed his right arm.

—You may look like Sakura-san, but you’re not her. You shouldn’t have underestimated me!

—Ara! I’m just telling the truth, you know?

Mikoto was furious, Kaede seemed unconcerned. However, the tension between them was rising.

The oath bracelet on his right arm began to glow intermittently.

—This is a great opportunity! Here I will reveal who you are and what your purpose is!

The bracelet glowed brightly. Mikoto’s body was enveloped in radiance, on the verge of transforming

in Kämpfer.

—That’s not good.

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With a tone that made it seem as if she would add a heart to the end of her sentences, Kaede took out the hand

hidden behind her. She was holding a stuffed animal in her hand.

It was Chinnkunorain from the visceral animal plushie series. This one belonged to Mikoto. When had she mana To achieve it?

Chinnkunorain’s eyes glowed. It wasn’t light; it was a color akin to darkness, similar to the bottom of a

well.

Mikoto reflexively tried to close her eyes. It was too late. Her consciousness was swallowed up by her eyes. from Chinnkunorain.

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