Interlude 3
Chapter 6-0. The First Yuuji’s House Site Offline Camping Part 1 JR Utsunomiya Station Western Exit. April 12th, 10:45. The first group for Yuuji’s House Site Offline Camping had fallen into a state of chaos from its first gathering. 「Hey! The gyouza statue had changed place!」 His username was Infrastructure Worker He worked at an infrastructure company in his hometown of Utsunomiya, a winner in life, with a wife and children. As one of the locals, he should have leading the first group, but he had failed from the very first beginning. Yes. The meeting place, the unique statue of a Venus covered in a gyouza skin at JR Utsunomiya Station Western Exit, had been relocated from the bus terminal on the western exit to the pedestrian deck. 「For now let’s write the change of meeting place on the bulletin board, if they find someone, just wait without dispersing.」 The Yuuji’s House Site Offline Camping had a scent of chaos drifting from it since that early start. 「Alright! Including me, there are 9 people! With this, the first group had all gathered! Since I parked the rental station wagon below, let’s move there! Don’t stray from group!」 Under Infrastructure Worker’s command, the men followed him in succession. Ah, “I an Anonymous without any username”, “So you are Well-Informed NEET?” “Hey, does that lolicon scum join the first group?” There were various clamorous conversation coming from them. Including Infrastructure Worker, the group of nine men didn’t wear anything that can be said as stylish, but they were also not that conspicuously out of place. It was because this city there was a business complex that it was called as the Akiba of Northern Kanto[1]. It was normal for a group like this to visit the area. But as expected, it was an exaggeration for it to be referred as Akiba. The station wagon that Infrastructure Worker had driven arrived an establishment immediately behind that building complex, it was on that underground. They had entered the Gyouza Themepark which had 5 permanent stores and 1 daily store.[2] “So we came to this place”, “Even though we are guided by a local, is this really a tourist attraction?”, there were complaints like these. 「Shut it! It can’t be helped since the member is many! If it’s this place, then we can have a chow!」 The local: Infrastructure Worker, insisted. As a salaryman, he had only guided the out-of-town business guests to this place, and this past track-record is what support his current decision. The group quickly made orders as they pleased and then have a toast with teas and beers. “Oh, as expected from the famous store, it’s delicious”, “This taste made my excited”. Where had their complaint about this place being a real tourist attraction disappear into? “Boiled and steamed gyouza are the popular type in China and they mostly didn’t put garlic into it”, recited Well-Informed NEET. “Ah his erudite knowledge is a real deal and a bit annoying too”, the residents exchanged glances with each other. But no one pointed this out for now. This was also a form of kindness. Since they had took troubles to come to Utsonomiya, hence they should have a fun! These active people of the first group, who had deliberately gathered first, was a group of people with high communication skill. In any case, this and that, just like Infrastructure Worker’s intention, it can be said that the first group was quite excited. After they were enjoying the gyouza, one part of the residents was red-faced from the beer in the midday, so they were window-shopping at the business complex that was referred as the Akiba of Northern Kanto before they were driven by Infrastructure Worker back to the JR Utsunomiya Station. Of course, Infrastructure Worker didn’t drink any alcohol. He was only watched jealously at the men who drink the alcohol. The time was 12:50. It was the meeting time for the Second Group that was going for a Clothing Purchase Tour and the Third Group that headed towards Home Center. The attention of the group, that was heading towards the meeting place, was gathered at the sight of a man in a suit carrying a large backpack. It seems that he was talking with a young man. The name of a man came to the mind of the nine people of the First Group. That suits and that rucksack, that person must be none other than Gunji-sensei. From the First Group to the Third Group, all group linked up without any problem. JR Utsunomiya Station Western Exit. In front of the Gyouza statue at the pedestrian deck. In the end, about 30 participants, including the guide Infrastructure Worker and Sakura’s Friend, had gathered. With this, all member of the Second and Third Group had gathered at 13:00. “Long time no see, ah, George-san, nice to meet you!”, said a female’s voice. However, it seems that the only female participant was just Yuuji’s imouto, Sakura, and her friend, Emi. Certainly, for the first offline meeting to be camping at a place that lacks any facilities might be a hurdle that was too much for other women. 「Alright, then the Home Center’s group, come with me! The Clothes Purchasing Group follow Emi-chan!」 Infrastructure Worker shouted out. As expected from a salaryman who had a plethora of experience of organizing drinking party. Gunji-sensei and Cool NEET seems to lack any power in this matter. Both of them obediently tucked themselves at the end of the Home Center group and discussed something with each other. Perhaps, they had got along with each other. They were a combination that makes you would like to hear the conversation that you didn’t want to hear. Sakura’s husband George and his friend Louis were there. But they didn’t speak anything. It looks like they already in the highest mental tension state. The residents maintain a distance from them. Well, it’s natural. Who wants to try chatting with American in a high-tension state? There was no hero there. Or rather, the ones they could rely to, Sakura, was with her friend Emi in the Clothes Purchasing Group. Without any interpreter, they were marching along to the Home Center. Both Camera Ossan and the Verification Thread’s Images Detective were immediately conversing with each other, their topic revolved around cameras. Both of them brought huge baggage. Or rather each of them were pulling a trolley. They were serious. It was a chaos. Before the actual camping session begins, it was already a chaos. This time, different from the verification offline meeting, no one was putting a nameplate. It was no wonder since the surrounding had eyes. However, this decision of not putting a nameplate would become something that they soon will regret. Mixed with them inconspicuously and quietly. Blending inside the Clothes Purchasing Group… Was the Loli-, no, the Pedo-Scum.
Interlude 3 Chapter 6-0. The First Yuuji’s House Site Offline Camping part 2
After exiting JR Utsunomiya Station Eastern Exit, about 10 minutes away by car. Yuuji’s imouto – Sakura –, Emi, and 3 thread residents men was heading towards a shopping complex at the intersection of the National Route 4[1] and the Bypass Route 4[2].[3] Inside the complex, there were specialist stores[4] lined up, from the casual fashion shop to boots chain store. Since there was a supermarket too, they also planned to shop for some of the groceries. Though, the real groceries shopping would be after meeting with the Home Center group. Both of the women in the driver and passenger seat were excited, while the three men who sat side-by-side in the back seat were silent. This was no wonder. It was hard for the newly acquainted men to intrude on the conversation of fellow women who hadn’t meet with each other for a long time. Even under normal circumstances, buying their own cloth was already a high hurdle for these men, so they were to receive the guidance from the women. They were aware of their (lack of) communication power. However, there was just one, just one foreign contaminant mixed with them. When they arrived at the parking lot, the Clothes Purchasing group disembarked from the car. Two of the men let out a relieved sigh. Finally, they were liberated from the airtight space. However, one of the men had entered his own world that he didn’t mind it at all. They reached the intended clothing store and Emi quickly located her friend that she had requested before. Emi once again ordered, “please recommend some clothes that suit them, they wouldn’t mind unusual design or color, just that the estimate cost for these two men are no more than 20,000 yen for 2 sets.” “Leave it to us”, while they replied like this, the two female shop clerk were guiding both if the men. Sakura and Emi could entrust these men to the clerks. Then, Sakura and Emi at last noticed. The Clothes Purchasing Group should be only the two men who were asking for a guidance in purchasing clothes. But there was another man in this place. Though they should have realized it before entering the car, the women had not met with each other for a long time. Since they were busy with their chat, they didn’t realize it. 「Ano…… Sorry, but do you also wish to purchase some clothes?」 As a leader, Emi called out to him. 「Yes! But please don’t worry about me. I am alright by myself!」 “Is that so?” Emi nodded in relief. “Then, should we wait while having a coffee”, “Ah, but perhaps we should buy girl accessory for Alice-chan”, was what they had in mind. But at that time. Sakura and Emi heard the man’s muttering. 「Alice-chan’s clothes」 A chill ran through their back. Both of them suddenly turned their body around, but that man was nowhere to be found. Sakura and Emi looked at each other. 「I-it’s alright, Sakura. S-see, I think he is surely only a father that came here to buy clothes for his daughter.」 「T-that’s true, right? T-then let’s have a tea while waiting for them.」 “Ahahaha”, both of them made a dry laugh. It could also be called as escaping. Escaping from the reality. But surely, the shop would be happy with a large amount of purchase. They surely would. □ □ ■ ■ □ ■ ■ □ □ 「Alright, we have arrived!」 Two rental station wagon, each with 10 men, the Camera Ossan’s car, the Verification Thread’s Images Detective’s car and one Anonymous’ car. The 26 members of the Home Center Group and its leader Infrastructure worker, the total was 27 people. It was a large group. 「Wuooooo, what with this huge place!」 「Holy! You really can’t underestimate the Home Center in the rural!」 The men, who disembarked from the cars in groups, couldn’t hide their unanimous surprise. But then, the American duo, George and Louis, didn’t get surprised at all.[5] The place that Infrastructure Worker had led the group into was a place 30 minutes away by car east from Utsunomiya Station. It was a super large Home Center, at the intersection of Bypass Route 4 and the KitKanto Expressway.[6] Surrounded by a vast parking lot, there was a big building at the northern and the western side. Beside the vastness of the area, the big black colored building had an impressive presence.[7] The group of 27 men was heading towards the entrance in succession. Since there were foreigners mixed in them, the surrounding were looking at them with curious eyes. The group stopped at the entrance sandwiched between the north and the west building. 「Alright, everyone is here. Then the meeting place was just like what I had explained before in the car. Since this place is huge if you got lost then call out to the employees. Then I will be heading to the second floor of the west building, the food corner at the outdoor terrace, ah you could see it from this place, I will be waiting at that place, so if something happens you can call on me. First, decide on what you want to buy beforehand and keep it in your mind! Since in one hour, my friend would take his shift as the clerk, so buy to your heart content!」 Infrastructure Worker shouted his explanation. The 26 men were hearing the important points docilely. It was a strange seriousness. If they could do this in the school or workplace, what would happen……. 「Alright, just like what we discussed inside the car, we would move out as the Assarting[8] and Agriculture team, the Architecture team, the Weapon team, and the Daily Life & Pet team. Since filming is prohibited inside the store, please heed it the Camera team. If the price is expensive, you might pick it up first then we will discuss it when we have gathered later. Then since we will buy the groceries after Sakura’s group has arrived, for now, other than the things related to the BBQ, the rest is excluded. Then people, move out!」 After they heard the calm order from Cool NEET, the group immediately raised an “OU!” shout. The other shoppers were startled and opened their eyes to them. The people, who brought their family with them, kept a distance from the group. It was a group that was a nuisance for the others. However, for the super large Home Center, they warmly welcomed the group. During their travel to this place, they utilized the free video call to hold group video conference and divide themselves into smaller teams. First, each team selected the important goods. Then Infrastructure Worker and Gunji-sensei who managed the group’s fund would decide who will become the team leader and how many members the team will be to buy the goods. When they had finishing buying, then Infrastructure Worker will ask his friend to arrange a special forwarding service to transport the goods to Yuuji’s house site. He was a man with splendid preparation. Afterward, they would merge with Yuuji’s imouto – Sakura –, Emi, and the Clothes Purchasing group in this place. Then they would purchase the groceries at the supermarket on the first floor at the western building. By the way, as the result of their preliminary investigation, Verification Thread’s Images Detective had rented balloon lights[9] and portable electricity generator. The rental fee would be paid fully by Gunji-sensei, but what would happen if they really did get transported to another world? Wouldn’t it be a renting without returning? Of course, if this didn’t happen, they would return the goods. □ □ ■ ■ □ ■ ■ □ □ At the northern building of the super large Home Center, the Assarting and Agriculture team was heading towards the western section. The center of the team were Cool NEET and Gunji-sensei. Their main objective was chainsaw, farm tractor, and brush cutter. Hence, why they were the member. Of course, they couldn’t say “It was for our trip to another world”. So they need to deceive the sales clerk while consulting the specification at the same time, hence the member with a good sense of mind. 「Gunji-sensei, do you have any experience in assarting or agriculture?」 「I don’t have any experience with it. Our family had always taken formal occupation from generation to generation.」 While they were conversing like this, they had arrived at the sales counter. The Anonymous were, just like the Anonymous they are, raising great ruckus as they let out their surprise at the huge size of the goods placed at the sales counter. While exchanging question with the sales clerk, the group choose their good. In the end, they decided to purchase chainsaw, farm tractor and both of the gasoline-engine type and electric type brush cutter If they had gasoline then the gasoline-engine type will have more power, but when the gasoline had run out then they would use the electric type, or so what they had planned. As expected, if one have money, anything goes. Then the group also picked agriculture materials starting from plastic greenhouse parts and shade net[10], to animal-proof netting and electric fence. “Next thing are farming tools, fertilizer, soils, tree seeds, compost and the likes, right?” After saying these, they walked towards the Garden Center on the eastern side of the northern building. □ □ ■ ■ □ ■ ■ □ □ The Weapon team. This team was a chaotic one. In the first place, their member composition was a strange one. Not only the Bulletin Board’s lively duo, Anonymous ETNE and MEAT, but also the Americans, George and Louis, were in the team. Rather than hoping for their knowledge, perhaps it might be better to rephrase it as: the only thing that was expected from these people was their ideas. Compared with the calm Assarting and Agriculture team, this team was a noisy one. 『George! George! They got chainsaw! Don’t you think we need this for anti-zombie duty?』 『Calm down, Louis. But certainly, chainsaws are important…… But isn’t this thing too small?』 Chainsaw and zombies were a work of art combination. However, it was a mystery whether the chainsaw will be able to cut so cleanly like that. Perhaps they didn’t think too deeply about it. Then, although it was a huge Home Center replete with large sets of inventory, this was a store in Japan. They didn’t sell industrial chainsaw for huge trees with big diameters. In contrast with the American duo who had disappointed expression, the Japanese duo was rather hectic. 「Hey,hey,hey! What with this crowbar! It’s freaking long!」 「H-heavy…… Is this thing really what they called as a crowbar!?」 The one who made the clamor were Anonymous ETNE and MEAT. In their hand, they were holding an 180 cm long iron pole. It was a crowbar. No matter how long or how heavy it was, a crowbar is still a crowbar.[11] The scattered members gathered. Each member tried to hold the bar and commented, “This thing really is a crowbar”, “The one used by criminals”, “This is a must have”, “But, if it this heavy, it will be hard to swing it around, right?” and many others. They raised hue and cry when they see a shovel, they were in great jubilation when they saw a pitchfork, they raised uproar of “Whoa, a wooden hammer!” when they found a wooden hammer[12], when they found wooden stakes they started to suggest it was necessary for anti-vampire, when they found bamboo they went, “let’s cut it and turn it into spear!”, and many other foolishness. What a dangerous group. The sales clerks were watching over them from a distance. Though they didn’t realize it at all. □ □ ■ ■ □ ■ ■ □ □ The goods that they had purchased were unloaded one after another into a 4-ton truck. Farming tools, soil, fertilizers, seeds, seedlings, lumbers, plywood panel, steel, construction material like concrete, pet food and medicine for Kotarou, medicine for Yuuji and Alice, pelt and fabrics, every manner of manufacturing tools, technical books, large scale cold storage cabinets, portable consumables, sleeping bag and canned food, tents and portable toilet, barbecue and smoking grill, numerous other camping equipments, et cetera, et cetera. It was a gigantic amount of goods. The total cost was a bit under 2 million yen. Since Yuuji only had limited means to use the money, he didn’t mind it. It was a rich guy’s treat. Infrastructure Worker could be said to have an amazing insight to even arrange a truck to transport the goods. By the way, the most expensive good was unexpectedly the firewood stove. Excluding the chimney, it was a very expensive goods with a price exceeding 400 thousand yen. If they were transported to another world, then they need to build a house to ensure a place to reside. Though they thought that it would be necessary, they could only buy 1 piece. If they need another one, then perhaps they would request it to the dwarves. “Since there was an example, they should be able to make it”. With this strange slogan, they gave up buying a second piece. 「What’s wrong Infrastructure Worker? Somehow, you look very exhausted?」 「Ah, Emi-chan and Sakurchan…… Our side had trouble with everyone doing as they please…… Or rather, the guys there have a refreshing feeling!」 The two men in the Clothes Purchasing group were wearing a jersey and had unkempt hair at the time of the first meeting, but now they looked a bit like college students who took great care to look stylish. It seems that after purchasing clothes they were taken to a beauty salon and have a haircut. Perhaps they had regained confidence that their slouching back was now straightly upright, too. However, unfortunately, there were still some remnants of their unrefined nature. But this couldn’t be helped. This place was not Harajuku. In the first place, if they suddenly have the mysterious Harajuku’s fashion, people might back off from them.[13] 「Well, if you pay attention to their clothes and hair a bit more, you would turn out like this. You guys just worried too much!」(Emi) “Uuu”, several of the men flinched, they couldn’t even deliver any reply. Infrastructure Worker averted his eyes while continued the conversation. 「Then, what’s the story with that guy who carried large amount of bags?」 「Ah, that guy, right…… That is… Alice-chan’s clothes, or so he said. I leave him to you next……」 It seems that her side too was exhausted. With Sakura calming George and Louis who reckoned that there should be one pound of meat for each of the 30 people in place[14], the group finally finished purchasing the groceries. By the way, they also purchased unpolished rice and rice mill for home use at the southern side supermarket at the western building. Since it was in the countryside, even a supermarket will sell unpolished rice normally. In the first place, in a more rural area, they wouldn’t buy unpolished rice from supermarket, but either procured it from the fields by themselves or buy it from an acquaintance. At last, the group was heading towards today’s main dish, barbecue, & camping, and so they left the super large Home Center behind. == Interlude 3
Chapter 6-0. The First Yuuji’s House Site Offline Camping part 3 It was on the outskirts of Utsunomiya City which had been enveloped by the evening’s twilight. On Yuuji’s house site, the preparation for the barbecue and the camping progressed steadily.
Activating the generator, Camera Ossan and Verification Thread’s Images Detective were establishing the balloon lighting to provide illumination for their video recording. Perhaps because he was interested in it, George’s friend, the CG creator Louis approached and tried to speak with them. With crude English, somehow both of them could reply to his conversation. Rather than from speech, Louis was looking at the set’s illumination and with a satisfied face, he reached out his hand. It seems he seeking a handshake. As a fellow worker who deal with lighting, it seems that they had reached an understanding. It was just, after the handshake and Louise bring out his business card, the other two took a posture of reverence. Gunji-sensei and Cool NEET, together with Well-Informed NEET, which could be said as the Brain Team, begin to sort the purchased goods. Or rather, if they didn’t sort the good then they would lack a place where they could do barbecue or camping. 「Let’s avoid putting it in the place where the house was previously located. In case we get transported, there might be a chance that the position could overlap.」(Cool NEET) 「Then, let’s ask Sakurchan and establish a No-Entry Area. Since we don’t know when it will happen.」(Gunji-sensei) “Don’t know when it will happen”, since he put this maxim in mind, even now, Gunji-sensei were carrying the large backpack. Perhaps because of his influence, the other group were also carrying a backpack like him while moving. After establishing the No Entry Area, borrowing the hands of the Anonymous who had too much spare time, they were piling the goods. 「In case we didn’t get transported to another world this night, then let’s purchase a prefab storage.」(Gunji-sensei) Gunji-sensei muttered. Perhaps this was what called as being realistic, though this point was questionable. The sun had fallen, under the illuminated by the balloon lightning and the lights from lantern lined up in the middle of the place, the barbecue finally begin. Amongst the 4 large sized barbecue grill, one of them was under George and Louis exclusive occupation. Holding a beer in one hand, grilling nothing but meat, which they offered to the others. By the way, this grill was the only standing barbecue grill type, which enabled them to grill even while standing. A large sized American style grill that George had overwhelmingly insisted, “This could be used even in another world.” Other than the four barbecue grill, there was one charcoal-based grill was being reserved. The one being in charge of it was Anonymous ETNE and MEAT. Even though they were bathed in sweat, they were cracking smiles and laughs while putting the charcoal in. Perhaps something was fun for them? What a bunch of dangerous men who was enchanted by fire. By the way, the First Group that had gathered in the morning had done a round of greeting to the Yuuji’s house neighbors, nearby police station, and fire station. So that they won’t be reported, or perhaps it was a preparation so that it wouldn’t be a problem even if they did get reported. Amongst the 4 large sized barbecue grill, one of them was under George and Louis exclusive occupation. Furthermore, another one was quietly placed at a place a bit away from the group. It was Well-informed NEET and the two guys from the Clothes Purchasing Group. He held a rod over the tender coal fire and slowly turned it around. When it had a grilled mark, he smeared the thick batter uniformly before putting it back to the fire. It was a baumkuchen. By the way, in this method of cooking, depending on the number of layers, it would take at least 3 hours to be completed. It was no more than watching the batter grilled over the fire and then repeating it once more. Or perhaps it was like a drilled act. 「Isn’t this calming?」(NEET 1) 「Yes.」(NEET 2) 「I’m glad I came to this place today.」(NEET 1) 「Me too.」(NEET 2) The guys from Clothes Purchasing Group exchanging their words quietly like a whisper. It was dull. However, certainly something had been born inside their heart. By the way, the initiator, the erudite Well-Informed NEET, was explaining, “Even the current famous Hiroshima’s confectionary maker was selling baumkuchen they make in the beginning”[1], but both of the guys were not following him. It was just a nice BGM for them. Excluding the men who was grilling baumkuchen in the corner, the barbecue exhilaration-filled-party. The conversation topic was, of course, about what will they do if they were transported to another world. The two people from the Photography Group does have those overly ambitious thoughts, too. It was natural. If they could take photographs in the another world, then all of their shot would be a novel thing that was never caught on a film before. If they uploaded the images and videos, then these would clean sweep any awards, and the famous English broadcast company or Nat-Geo would scrambling to contact them for a courtesy call. The ones with tremendously high mental tension were the George and Louis duo. After both of them finished eating the meat, they sat down on a camp stool, each of them embracing an 180 cm crowbar standing between their legs. What a hasty people. Were they aiming to kill as soon as they saw an enemy? American otakus is sure a proactive people. “If I can meet with Alice-chan, then it will be enough. I-its gonna be fine, I won’t get close to her too much and I also had bought a lot of clothes for her, so will Alice-chan be happy from this?”, the person who said this was the usual guy. It seems that he didn’t have any plan to make an active contact. But one could not deny the inherent risk. “If we are transported to another world, let’s inform Alice-chan and warn the others of this matter.” The surrounding Anonymous exchanged glances with other and took this solemn oath. The duo with High-Tension until now, Anonymous ETNE and MEAT, were somehow quiet. They were whispering for some reason, they were earnestly writing at the notes in their hand. At times, they suddenly held out their hand and the likes, completely devoting themselves studying various poses. It seems that want to use magic if they were transported to another world. And so, they were thinking about their chant. Both of them completely devoting themselves in making their chuunibyou note. Just one person. Yuuji’s imouto, Sakura. Only her who was silent. The Local Team, her friend Emi and Infrastructure Worker, had already returned to their own homes. She was sitting comfortably on a camping chair not far from the camp, she was just passing time quietly as if she was praying. No. Beside her, there was another person sitting on the same chair, it was Gunji-sensei. Giving a sidelong glance at the excitement in the camp, both of them were sitting on the chair silently for the entire time while taking a sip of the beer in their hand at times. Both of them silently stayed still, as if praying to Gods to send them to another world.
Chapter 6-0. The First Yuuji’s House Site Offline Camping Part 1 JR Utsunomiya Station Western Exit. April 12th, 10:45. The first group for Yuuji’s House Site Offline Camping had fallen into a state of chaos from its first gathering. 「Hey! The gyouza statue had changed place!」 His username was Infrastructure Worker He worked at an infrastructure company in his hometown of Utsunomiya, a winner in life, with a wife and children. As one of the locals, he should have leading the first group, but he had failed from the very first beginning. Yes. The meeting place, the unique statue of a Venus covered in a gyouza skin at JR Utsunomiya Station Western Exit, had been relocated from the bus terminal on the western exit to the pedestrian deck. 「For now let’s write the change of meeting place on the bulletin board, if they find someone, just wait without dispersing.」 The Yuuji’s House Site Offline Camping had a scent of chaos drifting from it since that early start. 「Alright! Including me, there are 9 people! With this, the first group had all gathered! Since I parked the rental station wagon below, let’s move there! Don’t stray from group!」 Under Infrastructure Worker’s command, the men followed him in succession. Ah, “I an Anonymous without any username”, “So you are Well-Informed NEET?” “Hey, does that lolicon scum join the first group?” There were various clamorous conversation coming from them. Including Infrastructure Worker, the group of nine men didn’t wear anything that can be said as stylish, but they were also not that conspicuously out of place. It was because this city there was a business complex that it was called as the Akiba of Northern Kanto[1]. It was normal for a group like this to visit the area. But as expected, it was an exaggeration for it to be referred as Akiba. The station wagon that Infrastructure Worker had driven arrived an establishment immediately behind that building complex, it was on that underground. They had entered the Gyouza Themepark which had 5 permanent stores and 1 daily store.[2] “So we came to this place”, “Even though we are guided by a local, is this really a tourist attraction?”, there were complaints like these. 「Shut it! It can’t be helped since the member is many! If it’s this place, then we can have a chow!」 The local: Infrastructure Worker, insisted. As a salaryman, he had only guided the out-of-town business guests to this place, and this past track-record is what support his current decision. The group quickly made orders as they pleased and then have a toast with teas and beers. “Oh, as expected from the famous store, it’s delicious”, “This taste made my excited”. Where had their complaint about this place being a real tourist attraction disappear into? “Boiled and steamed gyouza are the popular type in China and they mostly didn’t put garlic into it”, recited Well-Informed NEET. “Ah his erudite knowledge is a real deal and a bit annoying too”, the residents exchanged glances with each other. But no one pointed this out for now. This was also a form of kindness. Since they had took troubles to come to Utsonomiya, hence they should have a fun! These active people of the first group, who had deliberately gathered first, was a group of people with high communication skill. In any case, this and that, just like Infrastructure Worker’s intention, it can be said that the first group was quite excited. After they were enjoying the gyouza, one part of the residents was red-faced from the beer in the midday, so they were window-shopping at the business complex that was referred as the Akiba of Northern Kanto before they were driven by Infrastructure Worker back to the JR Utsunomiya Station. Of course, Infrastructure Worker didn’t drink any alcohol. He was only watched jealously at the men who drink the alcohol. The time was 12:50. It was the meeting time for the Second Group that was going for a Clothing Purchase Tour and the Third Group that headed towards Home Center. The attention of the group, that was heading towards the meeting place, was gathered at the sight of a man in a suit carrying a large backpack. It seems that he was talking with a young man. The name of a man came to the mind of the nine people of the First Group. That suits and that rucksack, that person must be none other than Gunji-sensei. From the First Group to the Third Group, all group linked up without any problem. JR Utsunomiya Station Western Exit. In front of the Gyouza statue at the pedestrian deck. In the end, about 30 participants, including the guide Infrastructure Worker and Sakura’s Friend, had gathered. With this, all member of the Second and Third Group had gathered at 13:00. “Long time no see, ah, George-san, nice to meet you!”, said a female’s voice. However, it seems that the only female participant was just Yuuji’s imouto, Sakura, and her friend, Emi. Certainly, for the first offline meeting to be camping at a place that lacks any facilities might be a hurdle that was too much for other women. 「Alright, then the Home Center’s group, come with me! The Clothes Purchasing Group follow Emi-chan!」 Infrastructure Worker shouted out. As expected from a salaryman who had a plethora of experience of organizing drinking party. Gunji-sensei and Cool NEET seems to lack any power in this matter. Both of them obediently tucked themselves at the end of the Home Center group and discussed something with each other. Perhaps, they had got along with each other. They were a combination that makes you would like to hear the conversation that you didn’t want to hear. Sakura’s husband George and his friend Louis were there. But they didn’t speak anything. It looks like they already in the highest mental tension state. The residents maintain a distance from them. Well, it’s natural. Who wants to try chatting with American in a high-tension state? There was no hero there. Or rather, the ones they could rely to, Sakura, was with her friend Emi in the Clothes Purchasing Group. Without any interpreter, they were marching along to the Home Center. Both Camera Ossan and the Verification Thread’s Images Detective were immediately conversing with each other, their topic revolved around cameras. Both of them brought huge baggage. Or rather each of them were pulling a trolley. They were serious. It was a chaos. Before the actual camping session begins, it was already a chaos. This time, different from the verification offline meeting, no one was putting a nameplate. It was no wonder since the surrounding had eyes. However, this decision of not putting a nameplate would become something that they soon will regret. Mixed with them inconspicuously and quietly. Blending inside the Clothes Purchasing Group… Was the Loli-, no, the Pedo-Scum.
Interlude 3 Chapter 6-0. The First Yuuji’s House Site Offline Camping part 2
After exiting JR Utsunomiya Station Eastern Exit, about 10 minutes away by car. Yuuji’s imouto – Sakura –, Emi, and 3 thread residents men was heading towards a shopping complex at the intersection of the National Route 4[1] and the Bypass Route 4[2].[3] Inside the complex, there were specialist stores[4] lined up, from the casual fashion shop to boots chain store. Since there was a supermarket too, they also planned to shop for some of the groceries. Though, the real groceries shopping would be after meeting with the Home Center group. Both of the women in the driver and passenger seat were excited, while the three men who sat side-by-side in the back seat were silent. This was no wonder. It was hard for the newly acquainted men to intrude on the conversation of fellow women who hadn’t meet with each other for a long time. Even under normal circumstances, buying their own cloth was already a high hurdle for these men, so they were to receive the guidance from the women. They were aware of their (lack of) communication power. However, there was just one, just one foreign contaminant mixed with them. When they arrived at the parking lot, the Clothes Purchasing group disembarked from the car. Two of the men let out a relieved sigh. Finally, they were liberated from the airtight space. However, one of the men had entered his own world that he didn’t mind it at all. They reached the intended clothing store and Emi quickly located her friend that she had requested before. Emi once again ordered, “please recommend some clothes that suit them, they wouldn’t mind unusual design or color, just that the estimate cost for these two men are no more than 20,000 yen for 2 sets.” “Leave it to us”, while they replied like this, the two female shop clerk were guiding both if the men. Sakura and Emi could entrust these men to the clerks. Then, Sakura and Emi at last noticed. The Clothes Purchasing Group should be only the two men who were asking for a guidance in purchasing clothes. But there was another man in this place. Though they should have realized it before entering the car, the women had not met with each other for a long time. Since they were busy with their chat, they didn’t realize it. 「Ano…… Sorry, but do you also wish to purchase some clothes?」 As a leader, Emi called out to him. 「Yes! But please don’t worry about me. I am alright by myself!」 “Is that so?” Emi nodded in relief. “Then, should we wait while having a coffee”, “Ah, but perhaps we should buy girl accessory for Alice-chan”, was what they had in mind. But at that time. Sakura and Emi heard the man’s muttering. 「Alice-chan’s clothes」 A chill ran through their back. Both of them suddenly turned their body around, but that man was nowhere to be found. Sakura and Emi looked at each other. 「I-it’s alright, Sakura. S-see, I think he is surely only a father that came here to buy clothes for his daughter.」 「T-that’s true, right? T-then let’s have a tea while waiting for them.」 “Ahahaha”, both of them made a dry laugh. It could also be called as escaping. Escaping from the reality. But surely, the shop would be happy with a large amount of purchase. They surely would. □ □ ■ ■ □ ■ ■ □ □ 「Alright, we have arrived!」 Two rental station wagon, each with 10 men, the Camera Ossan’s car, the Verification Thread’s Images Detective’s car and one Anonymous’ car. The 26 members of the Home Center Group and its leader Infrastructure worker, the total was 27 people. It was a large group. 「Wuooooo, what with this huge place!」 「Holy! You really can’t underestimate the Home Center in the rural!」 The men, who disembarked from the cars in groups, couldn’t hide their unanimous surprise. But then, the American duo, George and Louis, didn’t get surprised at all.[5] The place that Infrastructure Worker had led the group into was a place 30 minutes away by car east from Utsunomiya Station. It was a super large Home Center, at the intersection of Bypass Route 4 and the KitKanto Expressway.[6] Surrounded by a vast parking lot, there was a big building at the northern and the western side. Beside the vastness of the area, the big black colored building had an impressive presence.[7] The group of 27 men was heading towards the entrance in succession. Since there were foreigners mixed in them, the surrounding were looking at them with curious eyes. The group stopped at the entrance sandwiched between the north and the west building. 「Alright, everyone is here. Then the meeting place was just like what I had explained before in the car. Since this place is huge if you got lost then call out to the employees. Then I will be heading to the second floor of the west building, the food corner at the outdoor terrace, ah you could see it from this place, I will be waiting at that place, so if something happens you can call on me. First, decide on what you want to buy beforehand and keep it in your mind! Since in one hour, my friend would take his shift as the clerk, so buy to your heart content!」 Infrastructure Worker shouted his explanation. The 26 men were hearing the important points docilely. It was a strange seriousness. If they could do this in the school or workplace, what would happen……. 「Alright, just like what we discussed inside the car, we would move out as the Assarting[8] and Agriculture team, the Architecture team, the Weapon team, and the Daily Life & Pet team. Since filming is prohibited inside the store, please heed it the Camera team. If the price is expensive, you might pick it up first then we will discuss it when we have gathered later. Then since we will buy the groceries after Sakura’s group has arrived, for now, other than the things related to the BBQ, the rest is excluded. Then people, move out!」 After they heard the calm order from Cool NEET, the group immediately raised an “OU!” shout. The other shoppers were startled and opened their eyes to them. The people, who brought their family with them, kept a distance from the group. It was a group that was a nuisance for the others. However, for the super large Home Center, they warmly welcomed the group. During their travel to this place, they utilized the free video call to hold group video conference and divide themselves into smaller teams. First, each team selected the important goods. Then Infrastructure Worker and Gunji-sensei who managed the group’s fund would decide who will become the team leader and how many members the team will be to buy the goods. When they had finishing buying, then Infrastructure Worker will ask his friend to arrange a special forwarding service to transport the goods to Yuuji’s house site. He was a man with splendid preparation. Afterward, they would merge with Yuuji’s imouto – Sakura –, Emi, and the Clothes Purchasing group in this place. Then they would purchase the groceries at the supermarket on the first floor at the western building. By the way, as the result of their preliminary investigation, Verification Thread’s Images Detective had rented balloon lights[9] and portable electricity generator. The rental fee would be paid fully by Gunji-sensei, but what would happen if they really did get transported to another world? Wouldn’t it be a renting without returning? Of course, if this didn’t happen, they would return the goods. □ □ ■ ■ □ ■ ■ □ □ At the northern building of the super large Home Center, the Assarting and Agriculture team was heading towards the western section. The center of the team were Cool NEET and Gunji-sensei. Their main objective was chainsaw, farm tractor, and brush cutter. Hence, why they were the member. Of course, they couldn’t say “It was for our trip to another world”. So they need to deceive the sales clerk while consulting the specification at the same time, hence the member with a good sense of mind. 「Gunji-sensei, do you have any experience in assarting or agriculture?」 「I don’t have any experience with it. Our family had always taken formal occupation from generation to generation.」 While they were conversing like this, they had arrived at the sales counter. The Anonymous were, just like the Anonymous they are, raising great ruckus as they let out their surprise at the huge size of the goods placed at the sales counter. While exchanging question with the sales clerk, the group choose their good. In the end, they decided to purchase chainsaw, farm tractor and both of the gasoline-engine type and electric type brush cutter If they had gasoline then the gasoline-engine type will have more power, but when the gasoline had run out then they would use the electric type, or so what they had planned. As expected, if one have money, anything goes. Then the group also picked agriculture materials starting from plastic greenhouse parts and shade net[10], to animal-proof netting and electric fence. “Next thing are farming tools, fertilizer, soils, tree seeds, compost and the likes, right?” After saying these, they walked towards the Garden Center on the eastern side of the northern building. □ □ ■ ■ □ ■ ■ □ □ The Weapon team. This team was a chaotic one. In the first place, their member composition was a strange one. Not only the Bulletin Board’s lively duo, Anonymous ETNE and MEAT, but also the Americans, George and Louis, were in the team. Rather than hoping for their knowledge, perhaps it might be better to rephrase it as: the only thing that was expected from these people was their ideas. Compared with the calm Assarting and Agriculture team, this team was a noisy one. 『George! George! They got chainsaw! Don’t you think we need this for anti-zombie duty?』 『Calm down, Louis. But certainly, chainsaws are important…… But isn’t this thing too small?』 Chainsaw and zombies were a work of art combination. However, it was a mystery whether the chainsaw will be able to cut so cleanly like that. Perhaps they didn’t think too deeply about it. Then, although it was a huge Home Center replete with large sets of inventory, this was a store in Japan. They didn’t sell industrial chainsaw for huge trees with big diameters. In contrast with the American duo who had disappointed expression, the Japanese duo was rather hectic. 「Hey,hey,hey! What with this crowbar! It’s freaking long!」 「H-heavy…… Is this thing really what they called as a crowbar!?」 The one who made the clamor were Anonymous ETNE and MEAT. In their hand, they were holding an 180 cm long iron pole. It was a crowbar. No matter how long or how heavy it was, a crowbar is still a crowbar.[11] The scattered members gathered. Each member tried to hold the bar and commented, “This thing really is a crowbar”, “The one used by criminals”, “This is a must have”, “But, if it this heavy, it will be hard to swing it around, right?” and many others. They raised hue and cry when they see a shovel, they were in great jubilation when they saw a pitchfork, they raised uproar of “Whoa, a wooden hammer!” when they found a wooden hammer[12], when they found wooden stakes they started to suggest it was necessary for anti-vampire, when they found bamboo they went, “let’s cut it and turn it into spear!”, and many other foolishness. What a dangerous group. The sales clerks were watching over them from a distance. Though they didn’t realize it at all. □ □ ■ ■ □ ■ ■ □ □ The goods that they had purchased were unloaded one after another into a 4-ton truck. Farming tools, soil, fertilizers, seeds, seedlings, lumbers, plywood panel, steel, construction material like concrete, pet food and medicine for Kotarou, medicine for Yuuji and Alice, pelt and fabrics, every manner of manufacturing tools, technical books, large scale cold storage cabinets, portable consumables, sleeping bag and canned food, tents and portable toilet, barbecue and smoking grill, numerous other camping equipments, et cetera, et cetera. It was a gigantic amount of goods. The total cost was a bit under 2 million yen. Since Yuuji only had limited means to use the money, he didn’t mind it. It was a rich guy’s treat. Infrastructure Worker could be said to have an amazing insight to even arrange a truck to transport the goods. By the way, the most expensive good was unexpectedly the firewood stove. Excluding the chimney, it was a very expensive goods with a price exceeding 400 thousand yen. If they were transported to another world, then they need to build a house to ensure a place to reside. Though they thought that it would be necessary, they could only buy 1 piece. If they need another one, then perhaps they would request it to the dwarves. “Since there was an example, they should be able to make it”. With this strange slogan, they gave up buying a second piece. 「What’s wrong Infrastructure Worker? Somehow, you look very exhausted?」 「Ah, Emi-chan and Sakurchan…… Our side had trouble with everyone doing as they please…… Or rather, the guys there have a refreshing feeling!」 The two men in the Clothes Purchasing group were wearing a jersey and had unkempt hair at the time of the first meeting, but now they looked a bit like college students who took great care to look stylish. It seems that after purchasing clothes they were taken to a beauty salon and have a haircut. Perhaps they had regained confidence that their slouching back was now straightly upright, too. However, unfortunately, there were still some remnants of their unrefined nature. But this couldn’t be helped. This place was not Harajuku. In the first place, if they suddenly have the mysterious Harajuku’s fashion, people might back off from them.[13] 「Well, if you pay attention to their clothes and hair a bit more, you would turn out like this. You guys just worried too much!」(Emi) “Uuu”, several of the men flinched, they couldn’t even deliver any reply. Infrastructure Worker averted his eyes while continued the conversation. 「Then, what’s the story with that guy who carried large amount of bags?」 「Ah, that guy, right…… That is… Alice-chan’s clothes, or so he said. I leave him to you next……」 It seems that her side too was exhausted. With Sakura calming George and Louis who reckoned that there should be one pound of meat for each of the 30 people in place[14], the group finally finished purchasing the groceries. By the way, they also purchased unpolished rice and rice mill for home use at the southern side supermarket at the western building. Since it was in the countryside, even a supermarket will sell unpolished rice normally. In the first place, in a more rural area, they wouldn’t buy unpolished rice from supermarket, but either procured it from the fields by themselves or buy it from an acquaintance. At last, the group was heading towards today’s main dish, barbecue, & camping, and so they left the super large Home Center behind. == Interlude 3
Chapter 6-0. The First Yuuji’s House Site Offline Camping part 3 It was on the outskirts of Utsunomiya City which had been enveloped by the evening’s twilight. On Yuuji’s house site, the preparation for the barbecue and the camping progressed steadily.
Activating the generator, Camera Ossan and Verification Thread’s Images Detective were establishing the balloon lighting to provide illumination for their video recording. Perhaps because he was interested in it, George’s friend, the CG creator Louis approached and tried to speak with them. With crude English, somehow both of them could reply to his conversation. Rather than from speech, Louis was looking at the set’s illumination and with a satisfied face, he reached out his hand. It seems he seeking a handshake. As a fellow worker who deal with lighting, it seems that they had reached an understanding. It was just, after the handshake and Louise bring out his business card, the other two took a posture of reverence. Gunji-sensei and Cool NEET, together with Well-Informed NEET, which could be said as the Brain Team, begin to sort the purchased goods. Or rather, if they didn’t sort the good then they would lack a place where they could do barbecue or camping. 「Let’s avoid putting it in the place where the house was previously located. In case we get transported, there might be a chance that the position could overlap.」(Cool NEET) 「Then, let’s ask Sakurchan and establish a No-Entry Area. Since we don’t know when it will happen.」(Gunji-sensei) “Don’t know when it will happen”, since he put this maxim in mind, even now, Gunji-sensei were carrying the large backpack. Perhaps because of his influence, the other group were also carrying a backpack like him while moving. After establishing the No Entry Area, borrowing the hands of the Anonymous who had too much spare time, they were piling the goods. 「In case we didn’t get transported to another world this night, then let’s purchase a prefab storage.」(Gunji-sensei) Gunji-sensei muttered. Perhaps this was what called as being realistic, though this point was questionable. The sun had fallen, under the illuminated by the balloon lightning and the lights from lantern lined up in the middle of the place, the barbecue finally begin. Amongst the 4 large sized barbecue grill, one of them was under George and Louis exclusive occupation. Holding a beer in one hand, grilling nothing but meat, which they offered to the others. By the way, this grill was the only standing barbecue grill type, which enabled them to grill even while standing. A large sized American style grill that George had overwhelmingly insisted, “This could be used even in another world.” Other than the four barbecue grill, there was one charcoal-based grill was being reserved. The one being in charge of it was Anonymous ETNE and MEAT. Even though they were bathed in sweat, they were cracking smiles and laughs while putting the charcoal in. Perhaps something was fun for them? What a bunch of dangerous men who was enchanted by fire. By the way, the First Group that had gathered in the morning had done a round of greeting to the Yuuji’s house neighbors, nearby police station, and fire station. So that they won’t be reported, or perhaps it was a preparation so that it wouldn’t be a problem even if they did get reported. Amongst the 4 large sized barbecue grill, one of them was under George and Louis exclusive occupation. Furthermore, another one was quietly placed at a place a bit away from the group. It was Well-informed NEET and the two guys from the Clothes Purchasing Group. He held a rod over the tender coal fire and slowly turned it around. When it had a grilled mark, he smeared the thick batter uniformly before putting it back to the fire. It was a baumkuchen. By the way, in this method of cooking, depending on the number of layers, it would take at least 3 hours to be completed. It was no more than watching the batter grilled over the fire and then repeating it once more. Or perhaps it was like a drilled act. 「Isn’t this calming?」(NEET 1) 「Yes.」(NEET 2) 「I’m glad I came to this place today.」(NEET 1) 「Me too.」(NEET 2) The guys from Clothes Purchasing Group exchanging their words quietly like a whisper. It was dull. However, certainly something had been born inside their heart. By the way, the initiator, the erudite Well-Informed NEET, was explaining, “Even the current famous Hiroshima’s confectionary maker was selling baumkuchen they make in the beginning”[1], but both of the guys were not following him. It was just a nice BGM for them. Excluding the men who was grilling baumkuchen in the corner, the barbecue exhilaration-filled-party. The conversation topic was, of course, about what will they do if they were transported to another world. The two people from the Photography Group does have those overly ambitious thoughts, too. It was natural. If they could take photographs in the another world, then all of their shot would be a novel thing that was never caught on a film before. If they uploaded the images and videos, then these would clean sweep any awards, and the famous English broadcast company or Nat-Geo would scrambling to contact them for a courtesy call. The ones with tremendously high mental tension were the George and Louis duo. After both of them finished eating the meat, they sat down on a camp stool, each of them embracing an 180 cm crowbar standing between their legs. What a hasty people. Were they aiming to kill as soon as they saw an enemy? American otakus is sure a proactive people. “If I can meet with Alice-chan, then it will be enough. I-its gonna be fine, I won’t get close to her too much and I also had bought a lot of clothes for her, so will Alice-chan be happy from this?”, the person who said this was the usual guy. It seems that he didn’t have any plan to make an active contact. But one could not deny the inherent risk. “If we are transported to another world, let’s inform Alice-chan and warn the others of this matter.” The surrounding Anonymous exchanged glances with other and took this solemn oath. The duo with High-Tension until now, Anonymous ETNE and MEAT, were somehow quiet. They were whispering for some reason, they were earnestly writing at the notes in their hand. At times, they suddenly held out their hand and the likes, completely devoting themselves studying various poses. It seems that want to use magic if they were transported to another world. And so, they were thinking about their chant. Both of them completely devoting themselves in making their chuunibyou note. Just one person. Yuuji’s imouto, Sakura. Only her who was silent. The Local Team, her friend Emi and Infrastructure Worker, had already returned to their own homes. She was sitting comfortably on a camping chair not far from the camp, she was just passing time quietly as if she was praying. No. Beside her, there was another person sitting on the same chair, it was Gunji-sensei. Giving a sidelong glance at the excitement in the camp, both of them were sitting on the chair silently for the entire time while taking a sip of the beer in their hand at times. Both of them silently stayed still, as if praying to Gods to send them to another world.