Chapter 1
Chapter 1 Christmas is the premonition of trouble
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Morning. Before going to school.
Haimura Moroha was changing into his uniform in his dorm room, and, next to him,
– This year’s Christmas Eve will be on Sunday nanodesu.
His roommate Shimon Maya said with a smile as she unbuttoned her pajamas.
– I know, I know. Satsuki made quite a fuss about it the other day.
Moroha responded, mixing a yawn into it while putting on the jacket.
The winter vacation at Akane Academy began on the 27th rather than the 25th, so neither Eve nor the very day of Christmas were holidays, so they couldn’t enjoy themselves leisurely.
– There will be a house party at Mari-onee-chan’s apartment desu. I was told that Moroha is invited too desu.
Maya continued talking as she put the clothes that Moroha and she had taken off into the laundry basket.
– Really? A house party?
Moroha recalled as he handed over the underwear, thighs and a pair of tabi to Maya who came back.
While it wasn’t something one would call a “party”, he celebrated Christmas with his married aunt every year.
Only on that day, a big cake was bought, his sweet tooth aunt made her eyes sparkle and his uncle stealthily endured the wine he wanted to drink. Moroha knew that, and of course Moroha never begged to have a present, but it wasn’t dissatisfying at all, even if it was in the middle of winter, the little house was very warm; he spent Holy Nights in a satisfied mood.
He couldn’t celebrate it with them this year, but it would be a lie to say he wasn’t lonely.
What did his married aunt think? Moroha was now in a position where he could send her an allowance, so at least he wanted them to eat cake and drink wine as much as they wanted, and to enjoy a happy night.
– Hmm, does Maya have a party every year?
– Certainly not nanodesu. Until last year, I was alone with Mari-onee-chan, we spent lonely Christmas Eves desu.
– Hahaha… then I have no other choice but to join you, huh.
– Satsuki-onee-san and Shizuno-onee-san will be invited desu. Leshyonee-san and Harukonee-san will be invited desu. And Sohpie-onee-san too──
Although she wore a dress, her long hair got in the way; Maya counted as she squirmed in the clothes.
– Wait, wait. I get your feelings of being eager about it, but a number of people like that won’t fit in, don’t you think?
Moroha retorted as he helped her to put the dress on.
He grasped the size of the room because he had visited the apartment of the school principal.
If their intention was to relax and be calm and comfortable, then maybe four or five people were the limit.
Maya was small, so maybe another person could come.
– A sound argument nanodesu.
Maya, who wore a dress, poked her head together with an “ehehe”.
– And Momo-senpai said she had class and a Christmas trip that day.
– Well then, I will invite Satsuki-onee-san, Shizuno-onee-san and Leshyonee-san desu.
– Okay. I’ll go tell them today.
As they had that conversation, Moroha joined hands with Maya and headed to the cafeteria.
Along the way, they bumped heads with Kammie-senpai in the corridor,
– Can you not walk holding hands every single time!? Are you a beast with its wings abreast or something!?
He shouted as he pointed at their backs, but they surely were evasive.
Rather, he could get used to it.
And after arriving at the school.
– ──Like I was saying, will you come too?
Using the time before the morning homeroom, Moroha explained to them.
– Eh～～～～～～…
The one who showed a dissatisfied attitude was Ranjou Satsuki.
– Oh well…
The one who showed a thoughtful face seen from the side was Urushibara Shizuno.
Moroha’s desk was at the very end of the center row of the classroom.
The two girls sat on the top of it from the left and right, turning half of their bodies in the direction of the seated Moroha.
They pressed their shoulders against each other very naturally; that sort of thing was an absolutely impossible sight at the beginning, when they enrolled.
– Satsuki won’t go to the party?
– It’s not like I’m totally against it. But it’s my first Christmas after reuniting with Moroha, so I want to spend it with Nii-sama privately.
– I’m sorry? Moroha planned to have a dinner with me at a hotel that day.
– Huuuuh? Didn’t you say that nonsense in your dreams?
Suddenly, Satsuki hit Shizuno’s shoulder with her own shoulder.
– By saying something like spending Christmas with Nii-sama privately, aren’t you going back to being an elementary school student?
Responding to that, Shizuno hit Satsuki’s shoulder with her own shoulder.
That was, so to speak, the ritual to start a battle.
– It can’t be helped! We were still separated from each other when we were in elementary school!
– I’m not pointing out that kind of problem. As a senior high school student, not being able to be apart from your Onii-chan is laughable, you know?
– Your statement was nothing appropriate for a senior high school either! You just wanted to say hotel, no?
– Ara? Nowadays, senior high school students usually use something like hotel restaurants, don’t they?
– Well… that’s… y──ah, anyway, you’re bragging again! I knew it.
– Oh Satsuki, you’re so outdated ♪.
– Don’t say that, smiling broadly. I’m way too mad right now.
– I’m just kidding though?
*Bump* *Bump*, the two off them struck their shoulder against each other while having a trivial quarrel.
– Stop already…. Everyone is watching….
Moroha covered his face with his hands.
As soon as he thought they were on good terms, this happened.
Fortunately, they agreed to a ceasefire and behaved themselves.
– Well, for that reason, Satsuki.
Shizuno, who showed a small dimple on her face, began to say as if chiding.
– Excuse me? I don’t get what “for that reason” means.
– Don’t you think that spending Christmas with Moroha alone will result in not only me appearing, but also enemy after enemy appearing, and the New Year will begin as we fight?
– Uuh… that may be true…
– That’s why, wouldn’t it be more meaningful to have an enjoyable party at the school principal’s home?
– … I… get it.
– It would be pitiable if Satsuki-san was buried and frozen in the snow alone while Moroha and I have a lighthearted talk at a restaurant.
– T-t-t-t-that’s not going to happen!
– I’m joking. By the way, does Satsuki have experience with Christmas parties at friends’ houses?
– …………………………. I don’t.
Satsuki, who was a hardcore loner, became smaller in an instant and pouted.
Moroha smiled wryly and rubbed the left hand of his 「younger sister」.
As Shizuno also rubbed her opposite hand,
– It’s the same for me. Every year, the Urushibara head family invites guests, a grand party is held, but I’m so tired of making myself pleasant to the elegant old men and women with titles.
– It’s because they don’t like you, do they?
Probably because she was embarrassed for being suddenly treated kindly, Satsuki attacked her verbally with a thrust.
– That’s true. Anyway, let’s have fun together, I look forward to it.
– … Okay. I’m also participating. Can you tell them that, Moroha?
– Yeah. Maya will be happy too.
Moroha circled their columns in the memo boo in his mind.
Then Shizuno suddenly brought her mouth near his ear,
– As for Christmas Eve, you’re free, yes?
– Don’t steal a march on me as soon as you say that, Urushibaraaaa.
– It’s hard to say that pricking up your ears and listening to people’s secret talk is elegant, you know, Satsuki?
– Because I heard you without even standing up! You said that now to be intentionally heard!
*Bump* *Bump*, they hit their shoulders again.
Where did the good atmosphere that was here seconds ago end up going to?
– Are you on good terms or on bad terms, which one is it…?
In Japan, though, there was a hopeless expression, which said 「the more you quarrel, the closer you are」.
The gazes of the classmates who surrounded them at a distance were still warm today.
The innocent chuckling and the pleasant attitude made Moroha feel really uneasy.
Making them apologize with 「Sorry for making a fuss」 was rather refreshing.
In the past, they envied him and felt annoyed at him, but now it transformed into the annual event of Class 1 – 1, it was around this time that they felt the much-anticipated holiday, as if to say 「What kind of battle will they show today?」
Moroha was at wit’s end──
– Guys, the bell rang already!
With the entrance of Tarou Tanaka, the homeroom teacher, the warm air was swept away.
Everyone in the class noisily sat on their seats.
Granting a break to the quarrel, Satsuki panicked and Shizuno elegantly returned to her seat.
Everyone was in a posture ready to take homeroom.
Then faced Tanaka who was going to teach──finally noticing the strange occurrence, the startled ones appeared one after another.
Moroha also opened his eyes wide lightly.
In a suddenly noisy atmosphere, the whole class fixedly stared at Tanaka’s face.
They focused their gazes even more and noticed that his left cheek was swelling up in a bright red color.
As if someone had hit him hard.
– Hahaha, your teacher is troubled too for making you be surprised like this.
Looking uncomfortable, Tanaka scratched his cheek, inadvertently the left one, and because of that, he let out a small 「Ouch」.
He could hear chuckles and laughing voices from all over the class; the tense mood eased at once.
– Teacher, what happened to your cheek?
Satsuki raised her hand before anyone else and asked.
– My wife is scary, you see.
Tanaka replied, playing the fool, and this time a burst of laughter took place.
Jeering such as 「A marital quarrel!?」 and 「How uncool, Sensei」 flew, and Tanaka jokingly said 「You guys will understand the feelings of your teacher soon」, causing even more laughter.
Moroha unintentionally smiled and watched over Tanaka and everyone’s silly exchange.
There was no way that it was really a marital quarrel. Because Tanaka didn’t say it, questioning about that was nothing but the peak of tastelessness.
As the smile of the class didn’t die out, the healthy homeroom started.
Without there being something in particular, Tanaka told the matters to be communicated in normal operation.
Moroha aimlessly listened to that.
When he turned his eyes out the window, all the leaves of the garden trees had fallen, leaving them completely naked.
A strong wind occasionally blew, making the window glass sound drearily.
The time of year when the heating in the classroom was appreciated.
The calendar was entering December.
More than a month had passed since that fierce fight, that Japanese-English-French joint operation.
Edward and Charles returned to their countries with their subordinates long ago.
He had heard that the people who were set free hadn’t woken up yet and were hospitalized in medical facilities prepared by the Japanese government.
It seemed that various investigations were being conducted by the Japanese Division to wake them up, but the results weren’t satisfactory.
From an investigative point of view, only one month had passed, so it was too early to be pessimistic.
On the other hand, no 《Metaphysicals》 had appeared anywhere in the world for the past month.
If this had happened in the past, one could have been delighted and say 「How peaceful!」, but now that the existence of an underground organization that controlled monsters had been confirmed, this silence was nothing but ominous.
It wasn’t something unexpected, there surely had to be the unreasonable arbitrariness of someone in this.
Additionally, a headache-inducing fact had been established: There were as many 《Metaphysicals》 as the number of people whose souls were pulled out and remained asleep.
That number was a little more than 100.
Five of them were highly likely to be Evil Spirit class.
The 《Saviors》 who were kidnapped by “Invisible” and found in a soulless state were five.
He had heard that each Division was in a higher alert status than before; being in a state where one could sleep without fear was impossible.
Akane Academy was free from an air of tension of that degree, but when needed, Moroha and every member of Strikers would have to make an urgent dispatch using 《Transportal》.
──As he indulged in such thoughts.
Suddenly, his mobile phone that was in silent mode vibrated.
He stealthily and quickly checked under the desk.
It was an email from Shizuno.
The subject was 『I missed my chance to say this before but』.
He thought that if it was a joke again, he would ignore her, but he examined the text just in case.
『Last night, Nii-san came back from Tokyo with an interesting story』
It started with a sentence like that, so this seemed to be a serious matter.
By the way, her “Nii-san” was the board chairman.
『The organization that controls the Metaphysicals is called the Six Wing Conference aka SIX WING』
(Really…?)
Moroha was strongly interested in it and scanned it seriously.
『The Japanese Division is also temporarily reinforcing the Internal Audit Office and looking for clues of that organization in a frenzy, but as expected, it looks like it’s not going to be that easy. The same goes for other Divisions, there has been no beneficial information so far. Apparently, the enemy is composed of a small number of people, moreover, why wouldn’t they hide underground, freely using their Ancestral Arts?』
He read the full text and emailed a question back.
『They use Ancestral Arts, so that confirms those guys are Saviors?』
He waited for a minute and a reply came.
『The White Knight Organization calls them “Demons.” Apostates』
I see, they’re trying not to call that group 《Saviors》 so that the world isn’t driven into chaos, huh.
The email of Shizuno continued.
『Nii-san and the other executives seems to have kept it a secret, I, too, am hearing this for the first time. Don’t be surprised, alright? Four years ago, there was a case in which a small fraction of the White Knight Organization caused a rebellion. At that time, Sir Edward named the rebels “Demons”』
(Rebellion, huh… that’s another big incident)
Moroha raised one eyebrow.
It was no wonder that the White Knight Organization didn’t make it public.
If it was known that 《Saviors》 were the ones who caused the rebellion, the norms of order would be in jeopardy.
Maybe the Six Heads got desperate and suppressed it, and the fact that almost nothing was known even now was certainly a good execution on their part. In such a case, there was no doubt that even Charles and Lightning Empress cooperated without grumbling about it. That sort of thing came into his mind.
『Those rebels and the enigmatic organization that had been creating Metaphysicals for a long time combined, forming Six Wings, don’t you think?』
『Even though they searched without leads coming out, how was all that ascertained?』
Finding it strange, Moroha sent an email.
And a reply came right away.
『It’s what the testimony of Kashiwaba Gen’ichi says』
Moroha also remembered that name.
He was the former Internal Audit Office Head used as the core of the Archfiend “Shade”.
That testimony was probably those screams he was raising with utmost effort when the soul of Kashiwaba Gen’ichi was released after defeating Shade.
His vocabulary contained too many words Moroha didn’t know, moreover, it was left unfinished, so understanding it accurately was difficult. Even catching his words was difficult. However, there was a member of the Internal Audit Office and a leader of the French Division there, and because they had a lot of background knowledge, they could understand it and bring back that valuable information.
『That Kashiwaba Gen’ichi was able to obtain a good clue?』
『It seems like he got into an argument at the main office, but it is unclear how he could obtain it. It looks like because he was afraid of the spies of Six Wings hidden inside the Japanese Division, he was conducting his own investigation without telling anyone』
Kashiwaba Gen’ichi seemed to be still missing, which meant his cautiousness backfired.
In any case, it was an everlasting interesting conversation.
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At any rate, Moroha had heard the word 「Demon」 by accident in a completely different place.
The quiet man he met by chance in the library when he was trapped in the mansion of “the witch of the prison”.
Even that misanthropist called himself a 「Demon」. Who on earth was he?
As expected, was he related to the 《Demons》and the Six Wings?
As he carefully thought about it, he got another email.
It was not from Shizuno──but from Satsuki.
The subject was 『I failed to mention this a moment ago!』
To think even Satsuki had something important to say.
He opened the email and turned serious eyes to it.
『Look forward to Christmas presents! There will be amazingly good ones!』
Moroha almost fell prostrated on the desk.
(Now that she says that…)
He sent back an email as he gave a wry smile.
『Go for the usual stuff. Things too expensive or elaborate are prohibited. Something appropriate for a high school student』
And.
It was easy to imagine how reckless would Satsuki be without giving her a warning.
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Lunch time came and Moroha went to the adjacent class before eating lunch.
He looked for Leshya aka Elena Arshavina.
It seemed that she was on class duty, he quickly found her gathering everyone’s notebooks.
She noticed him when she was about to exit to the hallway, carrying a bunch of notebooks.
She immediately showed a reserved smile and,
– Do you have something to tell me, Moroha?
She accelerated her feet and drew near him.
-It’s something small, but… are you bringing those to the staff room?
– Yes. I was assigned by the teacher-dono just now. A very important mission of mine.
– Should I take care of it?
– Impossible. Otherwise, I would be neglecting my mission.
– Hahah. Leshya is too serious, isn’t she? Then, I’ll carry half of it.
– Ah.
When Moroha got half of the notebooks on his own, Leshya raised a surprised voice.
– At times like this, you are always pushy.
As she said so, her expression seemed to be of happiness.
The two of them lined up and headed to the staff room.
Along the way, Moroha began to talk.
– Do you have any plans for Christmas Eve?
– Whaaa!?
Leshya suddenly screamed.
She dropped the bunch of notebooks she carried, causing them to scatter in the corridor.
No sooner she made her peculiar-to-Caucasians and transparent-looking skin flush than,
– I-I’d like you to not surprise me, Moroha!
She fled to the wall and shook her hands and neck as if saying “no, not at all” as she slid down like she was falling on her backside.
– I’m the one who is surprised.
Moroha made his eyes blink in surprise at this very unexpected reaction.
– Moroha is the one to blame here for saying something strange all of a sudden!
Leshya continued waving her hands and saying “awawa”, her face still all bright red.
– Aren’t I just asking about your plans for Christmas…?
– I’d like you not to look down on me as an ignorant young girl! Realizing that everyone in class was getting nervous, I properly investigated what a Japanese Christmas looked like. When it comes to December 24th in Japan, young men and women pursue each other’s body like dogs in heat, indulging in blasphemous pleasures; in short, a burning, ardent, once-year sexual night, isn’t it!? When a man asks “what are your plans for Christmas Eve?”, it’s a jargon that means “I want to sleep with you”, and a woman replying that she’s free it’s a sign that she’s giving herself to him, no?
– From which 『5ch』did you learn such biased information?
– Even if I think you are nice, I think premarital sexual relations are not good.
– I haven’t thought about that, so don’t yell out loud scandalous things like that please!
Moroha begged with all his might, but it was too late.
It was the unfortunate time for lunch break, the corridor was crowded with students coming and going to buy lunch.
Every boy and girl stopped walking, they concentrated and perfectly heard the words of Leshya.
– Hey, did you hear that? Haimura is trying to deceive and assail an innocent overseas student….
– What an asshole…. No matter how much of an S-Rank he is, being excused or not is…
– Haimurkun willfully approached her, and here I believed he was a sincere person…. To think he was really like that…
– Wait a minute!? D-doesn’t that mean that Maychan, who lives with him, he long ago…?
– The atmosphere is bad here, let’s move quickly, Leshya!
Moroha picked up all the notebooks that had fallen using 《Godlike Movement》 and left at a quick pace as if to shake off the gazes full of thorns.
He desperately explained to Leshya who followed him.
– It’s all a misunderstanding. That’s a custom in a small part of Japan, the real Christmas is nothing but a proper festival.
– Is, is that so…? I was also doubting how extremely strange it was.
– See? Of course, it’s extremely strange. I wanted to confirm it before you shouted though….
– By the way, that custom we were speaking of, how concrete is that small fraction?
– M-maybe around Tokyo?
– I see… Tokyo is a terrifying place, isn’t it?
Leshya nodded with a serious look and made a sound with her throat.
Moroha just devotedly apologized in his heart to Tokyo for disgracing it without reason.
– Well then, Moroha, you had planned to invite me to that festival?
– Yes. There will be a home party at principal’s apartment. Satsuki and Shizuno will also come, you know?
– I will be incredibly happy if Shizuno comes too.
Moroha thought 「What about Satsuki?」 in his mind, but he didn’t have the courage to ask.
– By all means, I’d like you to let me participate.
– Alright. I’ll be calling you again for further details.
– This will be my first time experiencing this festival called Christmas. I’m really looking forward to it.
– … Is it like that because you were immersed in training and didn’t have time to enjoy the festival?
– No. The Christmas day in Russia isn’t that exciting. In the first place, the date is different form Japan, January 7th is Christmas.
– Really? Is it that different?
──As they chatted like that, they arrived at the staff room.
– Hmm?
There, Moroha found a rare assorted duo.
In front of the staff room, Tanaka, the homeroom teacher, and Isurugi Jin, the captain of Strikers, were standing, deep in some kind of talk.
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Moreover, Isurugi suddenly bowed deeply toward Tanaka.
Tanaka tried to make him raise his face, saying 「It is not your fault」, but Isurugi didn’t hear him.
What was happening there?
Moroha hurriedly delivered the notebooks to the desk of two teachers and returned with Leshya.
He asked Tanaka who looked dispirited.
– What happened?
– Oh, Haimura…
– This is embarrassing, we were seen.
Isurugi, who raised his head, and Tanaka made awkward faces. But,
– No, it’s not a big deal.
Tanaka immediately corrected himself. As he scratched the cheek that wasn’t swelling up.
With that, Moroha understood.
Maybe Isurugi had something to do with the swelling of Tanaka’s cheek.
Isurugi, who noticed Moroha’s eyes fixed on the cheek,
– My younger brother raised his hand to Sensei. It is a serious thing.
He answered frankly with a heavy voice.
The embarrassment of his relative, that surely was hard to say.
As one would expect, it was becoming of the honest captain.
It certainly should have been a regrettable thing.
His sunken cheeks were much more stiffened and sterner than usual.
– Did he come to school?
Moroha had heard that he refused to go to school.
– No, that’s not it. Tanaksensei has gone out of his way to visit him at my house, he has given him all kinds of teachings.
– Although you say that, I’ve been busy so I can only go there once a week.
– Please don’t be so humble. He has abused the generosity of the teacher….
The hand of Isurugi, who made a fist, was trembling.
And closed his eyes tightly.
If he hadn’t done so, the anger would have just ended up blowing out of his eyes.
Affected by the silent anger of Isurugi, Moroha perceived how raging Isurugi’s heart was and how much effort had to be imposed to restrain it.
Simple words and consolation wouldn’t make it.
I see, I ended up hearing something embarrassing.
Moroha did nothing but scratch his head.
However, Leshya, who was beside him, inclined her head to the side,
– The conversation is still hard for me to get. Will you let me hear the details about it?
As expected of Leshysan, she ignored the mood and asked a question.
From a brandished-aloft-in-big-way form to a totally straight blazing fastball, Isurugi and Tanaka looked at each other and put a bitter-looking smile on their faces.
– Well… this happened yesterday.
Then the two of them began to speak falteringly.
Moroha carefully listened to that summarized story with Leshya──
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Isurugi Jin’s younger brother──Gen, was secluded himself in a mountain under the instruction of Tanaka.
A special training ground for mountain battle simulation, located about 30 kilometers north of the prefectural road from the school. It was the third day when he used it by himself.
To begin with, it was a restricted place situated deep in the mountains, there were no roads running at the foot of the mountain, no radio waves reached it either.
As he looked at the sunset, Gen talked with his older brother via cell phone.
– The second school term is about to finish, isn’t it, Aniki? You remember our promise, right?
At that time, when Gen, against his better judgment, flared up and punched his father.
His older brother, who returned to his parents’ house, scolded him for what he had done and when he was going to go back to school.
He had also suggested he should change schools if he didn’t feel like going back.
He wasn’t kidding. If he was transferred to another school, he wouldn’t be a 《Savior》 anymore. He would end up losing the honor and money of his future completely. Gen had no intention of doing so.
However, Gen had a reasonable claim: he couldn’t go to school without being ashamed unless the disgrace Haimura Moroha made him experience was cleared away──that was all.
Then his older brother said:
If that is the case, settle the dispute with Haimura Moroha during the second semester.
If you can’t win, you will transfer to another school.
A promise he forcibly had to accept.
He was honestly angry at that time, but he didn’t care about such small things.
– Kukuh, I’ll definitely take my revenge on Haimura!
Gen declared so, sounding full of himself.
『Don’t give up and keep training, alright, Gen?』
– Absolutely! I’ll show Aniki and those guys from the school that I’ve changed in these six months.
『Did you follow the teachings of Tanaksensei to the letter?』
– Hehe, of course I did. Actually, his method of teaching is quite good, you know? I approve of him.
『Is that so? You really tried your best, Gen』
– I can draw out the power I drew before multiplied by three. Haimura is just a pushover. I’ll beat him up, make him go down on his hands and knees and trample his head underfoot with my shoes, hyahahahaha!
Gen got overly elated and laughed out loud.
Immediately, a deep sigh was heard from the other side of the telephone receiver.
All the warmth from the voice of his older brother suddenly fell out,
– Before you challenge Haimurkun, would you try having a bout with me?
Gen gasped.
Changing his attitude in a great haste,
– S-stop joking around, Anikii…. There’s no way I can beat Aniki, can I? I’m not going to push my luck that far, and have I gone against Aniki even once? I haven’t, right? Come on, forgive me…
He became menial and bowed to the person whose face couldn’t see.
A deep, deep sigh was heard from the other side of the telephone receiver.
– All right. I will try requesting Haimurkun for a bout. That’s something I can do for you.
Hearing so, Gen was relieved.
– Are you okay with the match happening next week, Gen? It will take up my time to get Haimurkun to accept a duel with someone less skilled. And I ask you to restrain your aggressiveness.
– Hey, hey, are you telling me Aniki that you think I’ll lose again? What the hell, Aniki? While the joke was damn bad, today you’ve been joking for quite a while, you know?
Without bearing how funny it was, Gen laughed heartily.
His older brother ignored that and told him.
– If you get serious, I won’t talk about changing schools anymore. You can take many chances until you graduate. Whoever laughs at it, I won’t laugh.
And he arbitrarily ended the phone call.
*Toot*, *Toot*, *Toot*, the disconnected sound resounded in vain.
– What the…? As usual, what my fucking Aniki says doesn’t make sense.
As if having his excitement shut down, Gen cursed.
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Irritated, he wildly hit the trees around him.
Clad in a blood-like dark red prana, he mowed them down one after another with 《Strength》.
When he smashed around 10 of them and felt satisfied──he heard an applause.
Surprised, he looked over his shoulder, Tanaka was standing there.
Without him noticing.
He had heard that he would come and see how things were going before descending the mountain, but making his presence disappear completely like this was bad for his heart.
– Yo, Isurugi-kun. Your prana has improved considerably these days. It seems the results of carrying out simple and basic training to completion are showing up.
– Y-yeah. I guess.
Isurugi bluffed and tried to cover up his inner shaking.
Appearing to have time, he sat down on the trunk of a tree that had just been knocked down and waited for his heart to calm down.
Still,
– I think that your current self has the ability of a C-Rank.
He was amazed again by Tanaka’s remark.
– Really!?
He half-rose to his feet and asked again as if clinging to it.
– Of course. Your efforts in the last six months paid off. Quite a lot I’d say.
– Heh… heheheh… kukuku… kuhah, kuhahaha…
A pleasant feeling suddenly bubbled out from the bottom of his body,
– Hi──────────aha ha ha ha ha ha haaa!
In the end, Gen laughed out loud.
He was thrilled.
The feelings of happiness welling up one after another didn’t stop.
– There’s almost nobody who can become C-Rank in a year, isn’t that right, Sensei!?
– That’s right. Moreover, there was no child last year who became one before the end of the second semester. The golden generation, which your older brother is part of; consist of 5 people if I remember correctly.
– Amaaaaaaaaaazing. I’m super amaaaaaaaaaaazing.
Without bearing it, Gen looked at the sky and yelled.
His willpower replenished more and more; prana seemed to be overflowing from his whole body.
Now, he could show his strength and return to school.
His older brother would certainly get a better opinion of him.
And──
– This time, I’ll beat that bastard Haimura to death.
Gen declared as he licked his lips.
In his imagination, he hit hard the face of Haimura Moroha many times and pictured that bluffing, boring girl crying and shouting in his mind.
As he was immersed in such a dark delight,
– W-wait, Isurugi-kun.
Tanaka interjected, looking confused.
Looking at his confusion, Gen laughed mockingly,
– I’m not going to wait, Sensei. Because I’m going to take revenge on that trash as soon as possible, my patience ends today! You feel like you didn’t train me for something like that, but it’s too late. I don’t care in the least, and don’t think you’ll stop me!
– You’re wrong, Isurugi-kun──
– Huuh!? Why am I wrong? Shut up already!
He had no need to get direct guidance from this middle-aged man anymore, and had no need to behave modestly; Gen showed his innate roughness and threatened him.
Tanaka recoiled and replied as he wiped the sweat with a handkerchief.
– Haimurkun is already an S-Rank…
Gen was unable to understand what he was told.
– It’s impossible for you to win. You will never win. To think you were planning such a thing… If you had told me before, I would have stopped you…. What I ended up doing is really inexcusable….
Tanaka looked apologetic, unable to let go of the handkerchief.
The words and meaning of the homeroom teacher gradually penetrated him.
He didn’t want to understand them…
As strong as a curse, they tried to gnaw at his mind and heart.
– …… You’re lying.
– I’m not lying, Isurugi-kun.
– …… You’re lying.
– It’s so sudden you can’t believe it. But you’ll rapidly understand. You can try asking everyone at school.
– You’re lying!
– Even if you throw a tantrum, the reality isn’t exactly what you expected it to be…
– Shut up! You’re just telling liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiies!
Gen flared up and sprung at Tanaka together with a scream.
He raised his fist with an angry voice and hit his homeroom teacher.
Tanaka was surprised, his body ended up hardening, he couldn’t dodge it.
He flew like a wood chip and didn’t move while lying down on the ground.
– Heh…. Serves you right, you goddamn liar pretending to be a teacher.
Gen spat at Tanaka who stretched in the form of the 大 kanji.
– How can I believe such stupid words? Even that monster is an Rank…. There’s no way Haimura is on top of him.*
*TN: Monster is the furigana reading for Aniki.
In a fit of anger, he kicked flying Tanaka who didn’t put resistance many times.
Then, when Gen felt somewhat relieved, left the place, leaving the homeroom teacher behind.
He went to the depths of the dreary, overgrowing trees.
He ran at full speed like a beast.
The evening sky was burning like the horrors of war.
After listening to the story of Isurugi Jin and Tanaka, Moroha thought honestly.
(That guy hasn’t grown up in the least…)
For Moroha, a first-year high school student, this period of time of six months didn’t feel short at all.
Isurugi Jin cleared his throat and bowed to Tanaka again.
– As soon as I find him, I’ll make sure my younger brother apologizes.
– No, you don’t really have to worry about that. I’m a teacher after all, I’m used to the mischievousness of students. More importantly, I’m worried about what Gen-kun is doing now. He didn’t return home, did he?
– That guy. He thinks I’ll scold him when he comes home, so he’s probably running from place to place. However, he has nowhere to go, nor does he have the courage to go far without money, I’d say he’s hiding in this area. After school, I’ll look for him.
– I will try asking other teachers to search for him as well.
– I can’t allow myself to keep bothering you with the matter of my younger brother. Please let me do this myself.
– Don’t burden yourself too much because of Gen.
Tanaka frowned and nodded like he comprehended.
Then Isurugi Jin turned his face to Moroha,
– My younger brother is very short-tempered, so it’s very likely that he will appear in front of you. At that time, I’d like you to call me immediately without taking on him.
– Understood.
Moroha sensed the difficult situation of Isurugi Jin and purposely saluted with a friendly attitude.
With that, his Senpai made a somewhat relieved face.
– I’m sorry. And thank you.
– I’m indebted to Senpai, so it’s nothing.
Isurugi Jin was feeble and Moroha deliberately brimmed with vigor; they both smiled at each other.
However, Leshya, who was beside him, hit her own chest.
– Please be assured that this trouble will never reach Moroha. If that ruffian tries to put one finger on Moroha, my cursed sword won’t stay silent.
As one would expect of Leshysan, she ignored the mood and cut into the conversation.
The smiling faces of Moroha and Isurugi Jin turned into bitter ones.
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