Vol. 2 Ch. 4

Chapter 4

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Chapter 4

The next day also dawned with great sunshine. Someone said that the weather is a mirror that reflects the statFrom the heart, but that’s a big lie. It’s not possible that my heart is clear. The only one who followed Kondou’s instruction to meet in the morning was Akane. Before going to school, she stopped by here. The only thing that was faster was Kondou herself, who arrived early in the morning and yelled at me to get up.Right in my ear. With a voice higher than a metal band’s performance, if there hadn’t been breakfast, I would have yelled for him to leave.

—Akane-chan has come too. Very good, very good.

At the entrance, Kondou stood with her arms crossed. Why is she acting like she owns the place? home?

—Then, let’s go to school. We leave.

Although we say “going out,” it’s really just the usual route to school. There are just a few more people. I asked Kondou on the way.

—Hey, where are you going and what are you going to do?

—At the entrance to the women’s section. I plan to keep an eye on Natsuru in her female form from morning o—It’s a long-term project. What will you do if he doesn’t come?

—We can keep watch tomorrow and the day after too.

—That’s not right. What will you do about the classes?

—It doesn’t matter if I’m a little short. I’m not worried about the credits.

I do worry, but oh well. By the way, it’s true that she doesn’t worry about the credits, because even though He skips a lot of classes, but always passes his exams with just one night of studying. And he always gets gooVery high, so much so that the teachers call her “alien brain.” Although she shouldn’t be able to do anything witThe lack of attendance, if she were expelled, she would surely be delighted to travel the world.

—But I can’t go into the women’s section.

—You can keep watch from outside.

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—The teachers and members of the discipline committee are patrolling.

I already mentioned that there are organizations like the Gestapo, but in terms of persistence, they’re worse tha legend that they chased a student all the way to Ibaraki Prefecture.

“It’s okay if they don’t find out. Even if they do, you’ll be fine if you’re Natsuru.”

—You talk as if it’s someone else’s business.

Anyway, we went to a café a little way from the entrance to the women’s section. There was I used this place before to meet with Sakura-san. The defining characteristic of this place is its bad coffee and twith a somber face, but today the coffee was even worse and the owner had the expression of someone on thDeath. Is he cursed? We positioned ourselves by the window to watch the girls going to school. When You observe them calmly, and you realize there are many pretty girls in Seitetsu. Perhaps it’s because of the

tradition, and I’ve heard that some families send them from far away. It doesn’t seem like the uniform or the locThey’re especially attractive, but there must be something that appeals to girls. Now I understand why it thrivesHigashida Beauty Research Club.

—… He’s not coming.

Kondou murmurs. It’s obvious. How could Natsuru come in her female form? Akane and I exchange glances. We both knew perfectly well that there was no point in being here. Now, how do we escape? —Ah, it’s Sakura-san.

-Where?

At Kondou’s words, I instinctively went to the window. It was definitely Sakura-san. She was Going to school alone. What a relief. If I were with a boy, I’d die of shock.

She’s the same as always. It seems she’s really recovered.

—She’s alone.

—What are you saying?

—I would be worried if I had some annoying insect stuck to me. —You’re saying that again. Are you really that worried? —Yes, it worries me a lot.

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Kondou seemed a little displeased, but I continued to watch Sakura-san. -… Pervert.

Kondou murmured from the side.

-That?

—You keep staring at Sakura-san. You look like a stalker. —Don’t compare that to a crime. I’m much purer.

—Your eyes are frightening. You’re definitely corrupted. —Hey, that…

Akane, who had been silent until then, suddenly tugged at my sleeve.

—What… huh?

I swallowed my words hastily. The oath bracelet was flashing. Since there was no

No Kämpfer nearby meant I was going to transform randomly.

—What’s wrong… uh, what’s that bracelet?

Kondou watched with interest, but I wasn’t in the mood for that. It was the second time the bracelet had blinkedTo her. Why did it have to be now? I ran out of the cafeteria. Kondou shouted something, but I couldn’t I didn’t worry about that. I ran in behind the coffee shop and transformed into a girl almost at the same time. Sailor uniform from the women’s section and long hair. Good thing I was on my way to school. If Had I been wearing street clothes, it would have been complicated. Although, in fact, it still is complicated. Let’I was watching my female self when Sakura-san appeared, and I transformed into a girl. What does that meanexactly?

There’s no going back. At least, that’s the worst that could have happened. If it was resolved at that level, then

Alright.

I made a decision. It seems that when I become a fighter, I somehow find courage in… strange moments.

I took a deep breath and walked calmly back to the cafeteria.

I didn’t go in. I walked past the window so they could see me from inside.

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It was obvious that Kondou was nervous inside the store.

—Akane-chan, she’s here.

—Kondou-chan… your voice…

Where the hell did that idiot Natsuru go? Even if there’s a girl like that around! I wasn’t listening intentionally, but Kondou’s booming voice echoed all the way here. It’s definitely not suitable for surveillance. Pretending not to mind, I walked toward the entrance. from the women’s section. As soon as their eyes turned toward me, there was an uproar. They’ve only

A few days have passed and I’m already under so much attention. Masumi’s ability to capture attention is… awesome.

Seeing that they don’t approach me to talk, they must be the “observant” type of girls. As I walk, the The students in front of me split into two groups, like Moses. And then they come behind me in a line. Definitely like Moses.

I even hear rumors. “Is that person a lesbian?” and “Does she make younger sisters swear?” brotherhood…?” and “In the hospital, he slept with ten nurses and sixteen female patients…” and “Could you “Get pregnant if you get too close…” But isn’t the last one a bit strange?

It would be better to walk around as if I didn’t care, but it’s impossible. Seeing that even the school building is… It’s packed to the brim with people; at least a hundred people are watching me.

I decided to walk deliberately slowly. Although I tried to let them catch up, I was approached as I was waiting.

—Hey, you.

Those were the challenging words they threw at me.

Those who followed me were Kondou, chasing after my female form. And Akane, who seemed uncomfortable. —You’re Senou Natsuru, right?

—…

I nodded silently.

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We were together just a moment ago, but it seems that when I transform, they no longer recognize me. Absolute. Recognizing someone as human depends more on the environment than on appearance (otherwise, (you wouldn’t know who he is just by looking at his back), but when you become a Kämpfer, even that changes—I have something to talk about, is that okay?

Kondou kept walking without waiting for a response. I simply walked behind him in silence. It seemed like If they were going to rob me, but they probably wouldn’t be so rude.

We walked between the school buildings and arrived not behind the gym storage room, but at the classroom blof clubs.

I was led to one of the club rooms in the cultural department. It was packed with equipment. I realized I’d seen it before; wasn’t it the journalism club room?

—Uhm…

I tried to change my voice as much as possible and asked Kondou:

—Are you a member of the journalism club…?

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—No, I only borrowed it for a moment.

It was probably Masumi who lent this. Connected behind the scenes, it’s entirely possible.

“Sit down,” he ordered arbitrarily. I did as I was told.

Konou and I sat facing each other. Akane was in a corner of the clubroom.

It’s similar to when I received the interview from Masumi, but back then there was still an atmosphere Friendly. Now it’s different. Kondou is staring at me.

There wasn’t a trace of sympathy. It wasn’t hostility, but no matter how you look at it, there were no feelings. friendly.

—Senou-san.

Kondou opened his mouth.

—It seems you’re quite popular with the girls.

Am I really popular? When they touched my chest, I thought my life was over.

—I want to ask you something.

-… What is it?

—Is it true that you like girls?

I shook my head. Of course I like girls, but that’s in the case of my male self. My

The word “heart” is still masculine, so the answer is yes. However, in this situation, it would be better to say No. If I admit it here, things will get complicated again.

She did not hide her suspicious gaze.

—Hmm, I see. According to the journalism club, it seems you target pretty girls to devour them. —That’s not how it is…

It’s nothing like that. Rather, it looks like I’m about to be devoured.

—That could be, right?

Kondou nodded casually.

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Masumi only writes false rumors, so I imagine she’s mistaken. But there’s something else I want Ask. Another rumor.

What is that? You said that yesterday too. Akane muttered something similar.

Kondou looked me straight in the eyes as if he were searching for an answer.

—You know what? Actually, you have a boy you like, and that boy is Senou Natsuru from the boys’ section? That-…!?

My mind went blank from the shock. To be precise, it was covered in the ancient emblems of Morinaga’s angel floating everywhere. The old-fashioned kind, you know?

What on earth is that rumor? I was astonished when Shizuku told me to go to the girls’ section. But this is simply ridiculous. It’s something that happened at the very edge of imagination. Why? Why on earth would I be attracted to the male self when I’m a girl? What kind of narcissism is this? In a corner of the room, Akane is visibly upset. Well, it seems she already knew.

—You’re lying…

—This rumor has some credibility. After all, the student council president said it.

Ah, so the source is Shizuku. She hinted at something in the school cafeteria, and now this makes sense. ThatThe insensitive woman took advantage of the fact that I wasn’t in the women’s section and started spreading ru

—If it’s information from the president, I don’t think it’s a lie.

No, it’s a big lie.

—What do you think?

Kondou is pressuring me. I feel like I’m being repeatedly hit on the head with a hammer. so I am not in a position to answer.

—Is this true? Is this also a mistake?

—…

I was only moving my lips slightly. Part of my brain was still functioning weakly, but the rest was being hit by a large typhoon, declaring a temporary closure.

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—Hee, are you trying to ignore it?

She said it as a slight. She’s a woman who prefers clarity in all things, so probably

He hates ambivalent attitudes (or attitudes that appear to be ambivalent).

—Hey, if you like Natsuru, that’s fine. But how about you just say so? Why not keep quiet and let them label yoBeing a lesbian is regrettable for both the girls and yourself.

That’s true. But it’s Masumi who’s spreading the rumors.

—So, is it true?

—…

—Is it okay that you like Natsuru?

—…

I’m in a situation where I can neither confirm nor deny anything. Well, at this point I should deny it. I tried to deny it with a negative head movement, but before I could, Kondou spoke. —…Well, it doesn’t really matter who you like, it has nothing to do with me. But, did you know that Natsuru He likes another girl too? Did you know?

I know. It’s Sakura-san.

—I can’t say who that girl he likes is, but she’s incredibly beautiful. You’re beautiful too.

Maybe even more. Still, can you say you like Natsuru?

—…

“Besides, there are other girls who like Natsuru, you know?”

What are you saying? You’re really stupid. If you’re going to make something up, at least do it better. There haNo girl has ever fallen in love with me as a boy, so far, and I doubt there will be one in the future. —E-… That girl is her childhood friend… well, never mind…

Kondou’s face was turning red. It seemed she had done something unusual and had become flustered. —Anyway, Natsuru has a lot of rivals. Are you okay with that?

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—…

For better or worse, what does it mean to have rivals? It’s not about me, being a woman, being interested in mwhen I am a man.

—If you’re okay with that, then I’m okay with it too… that’s it, I’ll support you. It depends on Natsuru’s feelings. Right? I think it would be better for him to have a girlfriend, because he’s quite careless. Kondou’s words seemed to be directed more at herself than at me.

—What’s wrong? Are you okay with liking it?

—…

-Do you like it?

—…

Kondou’s face suddenly drew closer.

Overwhelmed by its intensity, I nodded involuntarily.

-… I understand.

She stood up.

—I’m sorry for bringing you to a place like this. I won’t bother you anymore.

Kondou left the journalism club room without another word.

After that, I couldn’t move for a while.

—Uhm… Natsuru-san…

Akane caught my attention. After she called me more than ten times, I finally got to speak. -What the devil…

I can’t see my own face, but it’s surely pale.

Akane seemed to be in a similar situation.

—I was very surprised… Natsuru-san… it seems that Natsuru-san, the girl, is in love with Natsuru-san boy…

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—Didn’t you know?

—There were rumors that Natsuru-san had a crush on a boy. But I never thought that… My arms also started moving, so I just grabbed my head.

It’s a bleak story. Since becoming a Kämpfer, I haven’t exactly had good luck, but

Reaching such a terrible point is truly rare. Human relationships, already complicated enough, They had reached a level where there wasn’t much that could be done about it anymore. And the worst part is that I’m at the center of all this. I guess this is what they call destiny. Can I cry over it? this?

—Do you think this has become public knowledge?

—I don’t think it’s as well-known as the lesbian rumor… It seems the president isn’t that talkative… I looked up at my face. Oh, wasn’t it Shizuku who started this rumor?

I felt a little nauseous. She, who doesn’t confront people directly, resorts to such despicable methods. She’s like a cockroach woman. A rather beautiful cockroach, isn’t she?

—Akane-chan, let’s go.

—… Where are we going?

—To the student council room. I’m going to see the president.

Akane said, “I understand,” and opened the club door. When we stepped out into the hallway, she turned arou

—…Aren’t you coming?

—I’m still in shock, I can’t move. Can you help me?

I said seriously, admitting my sorry state.

By the time we got to the student council room, my body was starting to respond better. Although still I felt numbness in the tips of my limbs. That’s how much it affected me.

In front of the door, a student (guard) was blocking the way. I had seen her before. Is the president here?

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I asked quickly.

The girl stared at me.

—If he’s there, let me in.

—… The student council president is not here.

—Huh? Day off?

Shizuku’s absence is surprising. Being punctual and never missing a day is typical of her, and Furthermore, he should lead a life as orderly as a cyborg.

—Please, no one can enter.

—…So why are you here?

—I said he’s not here.

—Let me in.

—It’s not possible.

No matter how much I insisted, the girl wouldn’t budge. Faced with Akane’s tug on my sleeves, I surrendered aWords: “Tell the president to drop dead.” The student council guys are all stubborn. —The president is hiding, isn’t she?

-… Because you said so?

Akane murmurs.

—Because he’s acting suspiciously, isn’t he?

He said that, but it’s not like he’s not showing up for some reason. There must be a reason. Although I have nowhich one it might be.

—Ah, what do I do?

I have no other option but to go to the second year, group four of the female section. —Natsuru-san, you still can’t go back on your own…?

—I don’t think I can.

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I try it from time to time, but the bracelet on my right arm didn’t utter a peep. Harakiritora laughs, saying: “The oath bracelets are stubborn,” but not as stubborn as you, right?

When I reach Akane’s level, I’ll be able to transform whenever I want. That must be enviable, right? —Let’s go back to the living room. We’ll see what to do later.

-Yeah…

We headed together towards the second-year classroom building.

■

In the classroom, another commotion awaited us. My classmates, drawn by the scent of money, continued as But the girls who were seeking my attention were agitated.

—Senou-sama, how mean of you! You’d leave a girl to run after a boy!?

—Are you already bored with girls?

—You didn’t see the letter, did you?

It was like a plea to the mayor or a call to strike. All the girls had tears in their eyes, which It made me nervous.

—Rumors about a boy that Senou-san likes have already spread.

—For betraying a woman’s heart, you face this.

—Although he brings money.

It’s those same three again. Akane whispered in my ear that these girls were egging me on, saying:

“Natsuru Senou has left with a boy, but they still have a chance.”

Everything is a disaster. I wanted to accept it, but I have no way of getting over this situation. What should I do—What kind of guy is the one she’s with?

—Senou-san is being deceived!

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—I can’t allow him to flirt with my older sister.

I don’t have the courage for that, not even if I were the other one. The girls’ anger is escalating. It seems There could be a riot or something similar if this continued. Calming the situation was the priority. —Wait.

I extended my hands, a gesture of restraint.

—I haven’t betrayed anyone…

Damn, why do I have to say things like this?

—It’s not that I like boys…

I’m not gay. But I also don’t mean to say that I like girls who look like this. Still, they seem… believe it.

Can I believe you?

-… Yeah.

The girls were excited.

—Then you’ll be my older sister!

—You’ll be my little sister, Natsuru-chan!

—Just let me touch you. Like your breasts.

My colleagues, it seems, have no intention of demonstrating their skill in getting girls to… They’re not lining me up, they’re just playing a game of chance about what’s going to happen to me. After all, twinners.

—Senou-san, please have a little more patience. The odds are improving.

—I bet I’d lose, so I’m screwed.

—If you want me to help you, I need a reward.

Saying things like demons or devils is pointless. They are these kinds of people. Impermanence and transience go hand in hand.

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-I understand…

I decided to raise the white flag.

—Listen to what I’m saying.

The girls screamed with excitement.

—Then please accept this!

-Me too!

A huge number of gifts and letters were delivered en masse. The quantity was astonishing, even to the depart

from the new Tokyo post office. In the blink of an eye, I was completely

buried under a flood of boxes and paper.

Ding dong ding dong. The bell rang to start class. Hey, is it time to leave already? —Please open the gifts without fail.

—I’ll be waiting for your answer.

The girls said this one after the other and disappeared like the tide.

—Are you alright, Natsuru-san?

Akane pushed her way through a pile of letters and took my hand. Other classmates were there. betting on how many seconds the rescue would take. Forty-five seconds was the most popular guess. When I was rescued, exactly one minute and five seconds had passed.

—I-… I thought I was going to die.

—Should we go to the infirmary?

I don’t have any injuries, but should I stay in bed for a while? If I go to the infirmary, probably Place your bets on when I’ll be back in class.

There was a faint sound and a letter fell in front of me. It had been pushed by one of the girls. When I tried to put it back on the table, it caught my attention. All the letters I received were inside Adorable envelopes, meticulously sealed. There were many girls who wanted to exchange addresses.  Kampfer – Volume 2

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email, but since I only have a men’s mobile phone, there were many methods of

traditional and good communication.

But this was different. It was a plain white envelope, tasteless and emotionless, sealed only with a pen. It had nname.

I turned it around and was surprised to see the front.

It was written in big letters: “Challenge”.

-What’s happening…?

To avoid attracting the attention of my classmates, I discreetly showed the envelope to Akane.

She was surprised too.

-… What is this?

—Without realizing it, something like this…

—Did you open it?

-Not yet.

It’s not a good idea to do this here. If the class president finds us, he could use it to make money. I told Akane, “Take it to my house later,” and put the letter in my pocket.

■

In the end, I spent the rest of class time in the nurse’s office. I didn’t show up in the classroom and went home.In class 2-4, the betting began and the person who bet that “he wouldn’t come back today” won a lot of money. Akane told me later.

Night fell and Akane came to my house, and we soon began the meeting to consider the challenge. The attendees were me, Akane, Harakiritora, and Sepkukurousagi.

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Inside was a piece of paper with rather skillful handwriting, done with a ballpoint pen. —Please read it quickly.

Harakiritora seemed excited. Sepkurousagi also said, “It’s perfect to pair with sake. Lee, “Read!” even though he wasn’t drinking.

The content was clear and concise.

—Eer… as a fellow Kämpfer, I challenge you to a fight.

Upon hearing the word “Kämpfer”, Akane held her breath.

—Wait at the Seitetsu Academy girls’ section school building next Friday at

Eleven o’clock at night. Also, if you break the agreement, your lover could face misfortune… that’s all. I handed the paper to Akane. She also read it carefully.

—…Is this all?

—Yes. There was nothing else inside.

—This is the first time I’ve received a challenge from a Kämpfer…

Akane’s sigh didn’t reveal whether she was impressed or surprised. She had been in the world of the Kämpfer was six months older than me. Even so, it was a new experience for her.

—She’s definitely not the student council president…

-I don’t believe it.

Shizuku wouldn’t bother with something so complicated. If she did, she’d just show up normally and fight. immediate.

—Maybe that girl I fought with a few times?

—I think the same.

The enemy that has attacked us several times seems to be the most likely culprit. I don’t know its name, and it’the challenge, but I have no other suspicions.

—Friday, is that the day after tomorrow?

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—That’s getting ahead of ourselves.

—Why is it at night?

-I have no idea…

I want him to stop. I won’t be able to watch Tamori Club. —Are you going…?

—Yes, I suppose so.

Harakiritora moved his eyes from side to side. —Who is that lover of yours?

—I don’t have one, you know?

—So, who are you talking about?

—I have no idea about those things.

Whoever sent this, isn’t they misunderstanding something? Sakura-san is someone special to me, but Unfortunately, as a man myself, there is no reciprocity in our feelings.

Akane watched the challenge closely once again.

—Perhaps… are you referring to your lover?

He said in a low voice.

—Are you referring to me, as Natsuru-san?

-It just can’t be.

She should know about me before my transformation.

Harakiritora and Sepkukurousagi seemed confused, so I quickly explained the rumor to them. As soon as As soon as they heard it, they burst out laughing.

—Yes, yes. You should go that way!

—Hahaha! Natsuru, it seems the god of laughter has possessed you!

No, it seems more like I’ve been possessed by Satan.

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I already have enough of a headache just from the rumors of being suspected of yuri, but now I also have having to deal with the absurd rumor that, in fact, as a man, I like them. On top of all this, now a challenge.

In this situation, ignoring it is also difficult. “Your lover could face misfortune,” he says. I don’t know who he is. my lover, but if it’s another Kämpfer, I’ll have to fight anyway.

-… Come on.

I made a decision.

“It’s a night school, so it won’t bother anyone too much if we fight openly. It’ll be a way of…” To resolve at least one worry. Akane-chan, will you help me?

-Yeah…

He accepted. What a relief. It’s comforting to have colleagues.

—But what will we do about the fact that the female Natsuru loves the male Natsuru…? The stuffed animals started laughing again.

—Obviously that’s more important!

—They should officially become a couple!

I remember being in that situation before, but why can I be so irresponsible when it comes to What about the others?

But there’s nothing I can do about it. The only answer is simply to deny it, but if I do, only the suspicion of yuri will remain.

—I should let the women’s section handle it.

—Yes, I suppose…

—Does the men’s section know?

-I have no idea…

—Well, it doesn’t matter. They won’t believe me when I tell them I like Sakura-san. Even though I’m completely in love with Sakura-san…

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—…

Akane remained silent. Was she focused on the battle the day after tomorrow? She should take a page from hHarakiritora and Sepkukurousagi are still laughing their heads off. It’s cheap to be able to have fun without drinalcohol.

The battle will be on Friday night. I hope it doesn’t rain, I thought to myself.