Chapter 3
Chapter 3 Momochi Haruka’s small step
Haruka woke feeling good the next morning.
The Shiojiri branch office also had accommodation facilities similar to hotels in the center of the city. The members of Strikers were assigned to single rooms and stayed overnight.
Cleanly-arranged rooms and beds.
The feeling of tension that came before the large-scale operation swept away the physical weariness of waking up properly.
She washed her face and changed into her running wear.
Early morning jogging was Haruka’s daily routine.
The established theory of the White Knight Organization said that Shirogane increasing their physique to superhuman levels by means of prana was meaningless.
In fact, it wasn’t logical for the petite and slender Satsuki to have such power if the physical power of the person was also related to it.
Still, Haruka tempered her body with jogging every morning.
At the same time, she had the feeling that 《Godlike Movement》was being tempered too.
She was taught by Moroha before that this 「feeling」was never something to be trifled with.
Still, the established theory of the White Knight Organization said that mental state didn’t affect prana….
If what Moroha said was different from what the White Knight Organization said.
Then Haruka would believe Moroha.
Before departure, Haruka prepared a backpack and a smartphone.
It was certainly fresh to run in an unknown cityscape, but if she were to get lost, it would spoil her mood.
When she tried checking the map app, she found an email coming from Moroha.
She was tired because of the school festival and didn’t notice it because she fell asleep immediately last night.
He had something to talk.
She sent an email that said 『I’m jogging from the present moment, but is it something urgent?』and a reply came right away, saying 『Please let me accompany you』
From the morning, and with Moroha, just the two of them would jog in an unknown city.
A bittersweet feeling filled her heart just by imagining so.
(I-isn’t this something like a date…?)
If a normal high school girl were to hear that, she would retort with 「No, no!」, but Haruka ended up being ecstatic.
(Then I have to get ready. At the very least. Something like…)
Of course, she didn’t bring any special cute clothes.
A shower at least…. Yeah, that’s right. A meeting with a boy.
Haruka sent an email to Moroha, writing 『I’m taking a shower so I’ll be a bit late』. She took off her clothes and went to the shower room included in her room excitedly.
(What does he want to talk with me?)
She quickly took a shower, rubbed her body with a sponge and thought while being covered with foam.
No, even Haruka understood Moroha. It wasn’t something like a romantic conversation. She didn’t expect an unrealistic thing like that.
But then, at the drop of a hat, it wasn’t imaginable.
It didn’t matter. She could jog with Moroha. Or anything.
(I feel like today will be a good day!)
The hot water pouring on her head. It felt good.
While she closed her eyes and washed off the foam, her mouth relaxed and became loose.
When she returned to the bedroom, she realized that a reply to the email she sent moments ago had just arrived.
From the kind Moroha. Was the answer something like『Take your time!』?
She cheerfully checked it out.
『We’re going to sweat now so why taking a shower?』
Haruka involuntarily fell prostrated on the bed.
I got way too ecstatic, huh….
While blushing, she went to the front entrance gate, the meeting place.
Fortunately, Moroha didn’t press her further about it.
She couldn’t think of an excuse if she were questioned sharply.
Anyhow──they presented their ID Tags to the two security guards and went outside.
The calendar was about to reach November.
Shiojiri City, located in the Matsumoto Basin, was high above sea level, the morning air felt piercingly cold.
The two of them began to run side-by-side in the thick mist.
– Do you always run this early?
And the cheerful Moroha.
A jersey that seemed to have been brought instead of pajamas. It was a little uncool. But the simplicity and artlessness were well expressed; Haruka thought it was very good.
– Moroha is an early riser for sure.
– ……
Returning so instead of a greeting, Moroha suddenly kept silent.
He somehow looked unwell.
Despite this morning feeling so good.
– What is it? Your pillow was changed so you couldn’t sleep?
– … I’ll say it if you listen with pure feelings and without mixing prejudice in it at all.
The seemingly embarrassed Moroha pouted.
– What an irritating guy. I’ll laugh it off lightly so say it.
– Then──
As he ran, Moroha cleared his throat.
And confessed with an extremely serious face.
– I was used to sleeping even if my pillow changed, but… lately, when I’m not hugging Maya, I have difficulty falling aslee──
– I’m calling the police! I’m calling them──right now!
– That’s why I told you to listen unprejudiced.
– What unprejudiced? This is indiscrimination!
– It’s not like I sleep with Maya feeling guilty.
– Sure. You always deceive Satsuki like that, don’t you!? Saying you’re older brother and younger sister!
– Please believe what I say a bit more!
– How can I believe you!?
They argued while running without seeing what was in front of them.
It wasn’t a very populated street, their voices echoed more than they thought.
They hit the street by chance and made an old lady who was walking her dog knit her brows. Haruka turned bright red and hung her head.
– Alright, alright. I believe you….
She pouted her lips.
– But fix that thing of being unable to sleep properly before the day of the operation. It’ll be inexcusable if you can’t show your strength because of lack of sleep.
– I already bear that in mind.
Moroha swore, raising one hand and reconciled.
Haruka looked forward and concentrated on jogging.
As the sun rose, the mist cleared and the cityscape appeared as if a white veil rose.
The scenery they saw for the first time.
When they accelerated, it flowed backwards.
They ran a lot and were able to see a lot of things.
Moreover, they poked at each other.
Their legs were light. Their bodies were light.
– I’m in perfect form!
She was festive all of a sudden and bragged until becoming talkative.
– I’m glad to hear that.
Moroha, who ran parallel to her, was pleased. Just like that, he began to talk with a carefree tone of voice.
As it always was, it was about Haruka.
– I want Momo-senpai to follow the operation this time without fail.
– What the, it’s the usual thing, isn’t it?
She expected he would say something new but it was nothing.
Or Moroha thought that Haruka wouldn’t follow him unless he relied fully on her?
Wasn’t that a bit too trusting?
Haruka had a sulky look.
– That’s right. It’s the usual thing.
Without knowing about her feelings, Moroha laughed, looking quite indifferent.
– You have to sneak into the body of the Fortress class, so yeah, I look forward working with you.
Haruka fell down on the spot.
She was running so fast she scraped her body with the road.
Her legs hurt. Her body hurt.
– Momo-senpai?
Moroha became confused and ran up to her, but she couldn’t move for a short while because of pain.
– What… was that just now….?
She finally asked back while receiving help.
– You will have to creep in on the next operation.
Moroha began to explain while pulling her up.
He carefully explained all about the situation and the strategy he knew.
Listening to him, Haruka, in a few words:
– I-it’s ridiculous…
With that, she became speechless.
As Moroha scratched his head,
– But someone has to sneak in.
– Even so, why me…?
– Momo-senpai is qualified for it, no? I recommended you in advance. And both Edward and Charles would like to rely on Senpai.
Edowaado.
Sharuru.
Those names belonged to who now…?
For a moment, her head stopped working.
Both shoulders suddenly got heavier.
– Edward said he’d like to be granted permission to greet Momo-senpai later.
– It’s no good for the British Division Head to greet someone like me!
Haruka screamed.
– It’s impossible, impossible! It’s absolutely impossible for me!
– But you’re in perfect form, aren’t you?
– Someone like me being in good shape is of no importance!
– Come on, it’s nothing like that.
– It is, you idiot! A lot of strong people gathered from various Divisions, no? You don’t need to leave such an important task to someone like me.
– It’s nothing like that. Isurugi-senpai is incredibly strong, but when it comes to《Rentei》, Momo-senpai is far skilled than him, you know?
– Sir Edward should do it then! He’s an S-Rank!
– That guy can’t do covert activities. He makes too much noise when wearing his armor.
– Anyhow, it’s impossible! I have no confidence! I’ll attack the other Fortress class with everyone outside.
– Why is Momo-senpai returning to her usual self? Yesterday you were so full of confidence that you even encouraged everyone. You looked so cool.
– I just said we have to do what we can do!
– Isn’t that good? You can do it.
– You give me too much credit. Why don’t you rely on other people?
– Yesterday, Momo-senpai said she would do her best to protect my back.
– I didn’t!? Don’t read people’s hearts.
– You were thinking so, weren’t you?
Moroha smiled broadly.
He held out his right hand, looking for a handshake.
Haruka could do nothing but be overwhelmed.
She stepped back.
She was at a loss.
She stepped back.
She was at a loss.
She stepped──her back strongly collided with the wall of a private house.
She was cornered, and trembled strongly.
Then.
Moroha made a serious face.
Surprised, Haruka stopped trembling.
– Moro…ha?
The terrifyingly serious look of Moroha.
But at the bottom of it, the warm light that was seriously concerned about Haruka could be seen.
– Nobody has an easy and safe role, neither the rescue team nor the diversion team. This time is really dangerous.
– I, I know that much.
Haruka bluffed while not being aware of her cheeks turning red.
– Earlier, you said you would attack the other Fortress classes with everyone outside, but those will be hidden among everyone and will have their duties distributed──whatever you’re thinking, it’s very dangerous, so please be careful.
– …
She was startled.
She hadn’t think about it clearly.
But she fell into a mood as if her core was directly hit.
– If you get that much, then this is far as our conversation will go. If you’re strongly against it, I won’t force you.
– … U.
Haruka groaned.
Nothing but a groan came out.
And yet, it was absolutely necessary to answer properly.
She had no courage.
She had no confidence.
She always, always, always, always──
She held her arm and hung her head.
– Then, let’s continue.
Moroha showed a carefree smile this time and pulled his hand.
Just like a doll, Haruka left it as is and began to run.
Her legs were heavy. Her body was heavy.
Even though the air was clear like this, her chest didn’t clear up even after jogging.
The briefing hardly reached Haruka’s ears.
It wasn’t because she was together with Moroha.
She was spacing out, she couldn’t concentrate at all.
At the moment, the number of 《Saviors》who were already in Shiojiri was significant, they were excited by the explanation given by Sir Edward himself, even the blockhead Shizuno was listening seriously. Haruka wasn’t alone here.
Several elites were selected to be the rescue team, even when cheers welled up each time Edward called their names, she was listening to it like it was an event in a distant world.
Of course, Haruka didn’t get her name called.
– Hello? Are you awake?
After the end of it, the back of her head was knocked by Taketsuru who was in the back seat with a rolled up notebook.
– Isn’t it unusual for you to be this frivolous?
– … I’m sorry.
Haruka left her seat, turned her head and apologized, murmuring.
– What are you thinking about? Won’t you try talking to your Onii-san?
Taketsuru winked with a good-looking gesture while still resting his chin in one of his hands on the desk.
However, Haruka hesitated and,
– What the, am I not reliable?
– … You aren’t.
– Whaaaaaaa? One usually denies it even if it’s a lie.
Taketsuru hit the desk with both hands and protested.
– … Even if I listen to Taketsuru-senpai, I won’t be able to be taught the way to do it quickly and skillfully.
– Whaaaaaaa? Do you see me like that!?
Taketsuru hit the desk with his right fist and protested.
Seeing that, Manako, who was sitting next to him, as she fixed the position of her plain glasses,
– Isn’t it a legitimate evaluation?
– Even Manchaaaaaan? That’s not true!
Probably because he was shocked to that degree, Taketsuru opened his mouth wide.
– What if you change that frivolous-looking behavior?
– Wait, Manchan! Manchan!
Taketsuru desperately went after Manako who left those words with him and left the room.
It was really their usual fashion.
Natural Stance as Moroha said.
They weren’t shaking even when hearing that a mortal combat in which they would have to take on four Fortress class and one Evil Spirit would start.
As expected of the third-years of the golden generation. A state of mind that should be respected.
Very different from Haruka which made her be even more hesitant.
Lunch.
Turning down the invitation from Moroha and Satsuki, she went to the convenient store as if escaping stealthily.
She bought a sandwich and ate it restlessly at the storefront.
It wasn’t tasty.
But the meal she ate with everyone last night was so delicious.
Going to nowhere in specific, she eventually returned to the Shiojiri branch office and roamed without meaning.
The inside of the bureau was full of energy.
Remarkably skilled 《Saviors》 gathered one after the other from all over Japan.
To head to the operation, it seemed they were doing intense training and briefing sessions here and there.
In the middle of that, Haruka happened to see something surprising.
There were many small multipurpose conference rooms inside the Shiojiri branch office facility.
From one of them, she heard the voice of Kamekichi.
– As expected of mister Zlatan! I’ve awakened to the truth!
A questionable Kansai dialect escaped even to the corridor.
Haruka subconsciously peeked through the window.
Kamekichi was deep in talk with a stranger, surrounded by drawings.
An incredibly big man.
He was probably over 2 meters tall and had wide shoulders and a thick chest.
His magnificent Roman nose was almost unforgettable when seen.
Because he wore a black suit and a saber, even Haruka barely knew that he was one of the member of the French Division’s《Les Éléments》.
– It’s because of your unique idea.
Despite being a man with an imposing face and body, his speaking was cheerful and close to Kamekichi.
(Mannendou… what are you doing…?)
Haruka was amazed.
Although it became a paying-their-debt-in-small-amounts situation, it hadn’t been a month since they were attacked by《Les Éléments》.
She heard that they were in the branch office, but to think they were explained that it would be a joint operation with the French Division.
Wasn’t it dangerous?
Seeing them with those eyes, she made eye contact with Kamekichi through the window.
– What are you doing, Momochi!? You immediately had the nerve to get wind of me!?
Simply because Kamekichi was annoyed, he combed his hair upwards, pretending to be a famous person.
So noisy.
She thought of trying to take her leave immediately, but it bothered her what he was doing.
– Are you a companion of Mannendou-dono?
The big man with Roman nose opened the door as if saying “ladies first”.
Haruka was troubled by his instant reaction.
She wasn’t the one who fought directly with him, but he was of that ring. This giant man.
She by no means wanted to get along or get close to them.
As things are, should she pretend she didn’t see this and take her leave──
While she thought so, Kamekichi suddenly spouted out.
– You’re scared because he’s a good person, CHICKEN!
He mocked her with a triumphant look.
– It has nothing to do with being scared!
Haruka immediately shouted back in anger.
If she were to run away now, she would be ridiculed by Kamekichi until she graduated.
She went in while squaring her shoulders.
The big man with Roman nose who invited her in bowed,
– I am the person known as Zlatan. I was conferred the rank of the lead knight of 『Cradle of the Sun』and I was given the court rank of 《Le Solide》.
He gave his name in a traditional way.
Haruka didn’t give her name back. She couldn’t feel like making friends with him.
However, she was surprised to learn that this big man was the VIP ranked next to the Six Heads.
(Why is a person like him with Mannendou…?)
What on earth were they doing? Haruka went to the side of Kamekichi as if pressing for an answer.
It seemed her intention was transmitted.
Kamekichi made a strange pose with his arms folded and a knee raised,
– The old man and I are adding a new page to the history of magic.
He spattered with a voice that sounded very pretentious.
With eyes half-closed, Haruka said nothing.
– What’s with that suspicious gaze!? Hey, open your pupils!
Kamekichi shouted, making saliva fly, but Haruka was careful to not be hit by it.
– … So, when did you get so friendly?
– We’re pursuing a new page!
– It’s not a problem if you aren’t going to say it, but can I go now?
– Tch, so bothersome.
Kamekichi talked, sounding incredibly delighted while cursing.
With a cold narrator tone of voice,
– That Impact Day when we, Strikers, were attacked by 《Les Éléments》. I also squared off against the master golem called Émilienne; we won with difficulty.
– You’re telling lies from the very beginning.
She had heard from Tanaka Tarou, the teacher in charge of Class 1 Year 1, that Émilienne was defeated in a surprise attack.
– However, I’m not a cheap guy who will be conceited for winning. Strangely impressed by the Dark Arts of the enemy yet splendid elder sister Émilienne, the next day I searched for her and visited a hotel that became the lair of 《Les Éléments》.
– … How do you do something that dangerous?
– But my elder sister was in a serious unconscious condition. Certainly, for me, she wasn’t an opponent I could go easy on. So about it, I still have some way to go. I should reflect on it.
– Since you get it, the next thing will be faster.
– Instead of the elder sister, it was the old man here who warmly welcomed me. We mutually understood on the same day as we did collaborative research. Aren’t you jealous!?
– No, I’m nothing but amazed…
With her eyes still half-closed, Haruka retorted to Kamekichi who puffed up.
– What amazed you!?
– You’re talking about making friends with the enemy while we were suffering from healing our injuries? I can be nothing but amazed.
– Th────you’re so pesky, Momochi.
Kamekichi got cocky, his face turned into the very picture of condescendence.
Should she give him a hard blow?
– I don’t look back on yesterday. Yes──I only see the future with these eyes of mine. You curse at me, saying I’m arrogant, but I don’t care though? If I can have a bigger growth, then I won’t hesitate to join forces with yesterday’s enemy!
While taking a pose that pointed to heaven, Kamekichi got carried away with his own speech.
And Zlatan agreed with him.
The big man folded his thick arms, closed his eyes and listened carefully and calmly,
– We magicians value to seek the truth. The strong spirit of Mannendou-dono is what I like.
I see, she understood it was mutual understanding.
– Still, you said collaborative research, but the truth is that your side is unilaterally troubled, no?
Still with eyes half-closed, Haruka questioned Kamekichi.
However, it was Zlatan who replied.
– Not at all.
Being hit by a strong tone of voice from behind, Haruka was about to spring up.
– The eccentric point of view of Mannendou-dono and his many ingenious ideas are unparalleled motivation for those who have felt they’ve been in a stalemate in recent years.
To think there were times when oddballs and eccentric people were useful.
For Haruka, the big man with Roman nose said something seriously, something that could only be heard as a joke.
And this French Knight didn’t look like someone who would say a joke like that.
Haruka turned her half-closed eyes to the drawing on the desktop.
Was it a blueprint or something?
Several parts were drawn and each one had characters written that Haruka couldn’t read.
There were two types of handwriting.
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They probably were Zlatan’s and Kamekichi’s.
They filled the space tightly as if competing with each other.
The seriousness of the two was transmitted from the stroke of the brushes.
Haruka slowly opened her half-opened eyes.
– It was a secret weapon. You found it so it can’t be helped. I’m developing a golem together with the old man here, so can you keep it a secret please?
Kamekichi said proudly, without trying to hide the blueprint.
– A golem…? You…?
Kamekichi spoke even more proudly of it.
– I’ve been thinking for a while, but the truth is that my talent in Dark Arts, when compared to Haimura’s, is a bit inferior. But giving up is annoying, no? It’s something similar to that.
Because of that, he seemed to have been secretly working hard to try proving himself superior in other field.
– No matter how much time passes, I’ll always be a C-Rank and that’s an unfair rating for me. If I get a strong golem, then that will be overturned.
The problem was that it took many years to create a golem and above all, many materials that didn’t exist on earth were needed.
Kamekichi didn’t know what to do by himself.
However, then what appeared there were 《Les Éléments》’s Golem users.
Due to hundreds of years of independent research, 「Cradle of the Sun」worked out a Dark Arts system that created golems in a relatively short period of time, moreover it only used materials that existed on earth.
By combining the systematic knowledge that Zlatan had of it and the ideas that Kamekichi had envisioned, an even greater golem would be created──
– Well, to tell the truth, I deserve respect, no?
– Don’t say it yourself….
Haruka was astonished.
However, the efforts of his former self should be acknowledged.
Maybe Moroha would praise this oddball as 「the paragon of Strikers」.
– Why are you being careless, Momochi?
Kamekichi got cocky, his face turned into the very picture of condescendence again.
– If we talk about talentless, then you certainly are at a level that is terrible to look at, no? Why don’t you do your best so that each other’s valley generation doesn’t laugh at you?
With that same face, he arrogantly pointed out of the window.
What?
When she stood by the window, she saw the courtyard.
She didn’t notice the noise because it was a soundproof building, but a crowd was forming.
Satsuki and Sophia were at the center of it.
They were sparring with each other, wearing prana.
Sophia, who always fought with bare hands, was holding a shield today.
It was a strange-looking, two-handed shield and huge enough to completely hide her tall figure.
It was made of hardened glass, but despite being that big, it didn’t obstruct her view.
She had heard it was a combination of offensive and defensive equipment used by the brave man named Bernard, a late Shirogane of the Russian Division.
Moroha, who knew there were many spares in Vladivostok branch office, had been negotiating with the Russian Division far in advance and had one sent to him.
Sophia was going to try it immediately before the big operation.
She was famed as Iron Wall due to her toughness, but when holding a solid and giant shield, she felt intimidating enough to be called Citadel.
However, Satsuki didn’t falter.
Being extremely energetic, she attacked from the front.
Sword and shield collided many times, their auras sparked brilliantly and a strong wind broke out in the surroundings.
Watching that, cheers arose from the regular 《Saviors》 of the Japanese Division.
The eyes of the adults were glued to the rapidly-growing first-year student and the third-year student whose true strength was ranked next to Isurugi.
The person themselves were sweating, they looked pleased.
They were too dazzling for Haruka today… she was unable to endure it a second longer.
She involuntarily turned her back on the window.
– I got in your way, Mannendou. Do your best.
She turned her back on Mannendou and left the council room.
She hung her head and walked down the corridor.
──And.
She saw the feet of a girl obstructing her way.
– I was searching for you, Momochi-senpai.
Being called by her name, Haruka slowly raised her face.
It was Shizuno.
It wasn’t Satsuki but a first-year student with a cheat-like strength.
It wasn’t well known because she hid behind Moroha and also the person in question concealed it, but Haruka, who had participated in many battlefields with her, knew.
– Do you have a minute? I have something to talk about.
– You, with me?
What turn of events was this?
Her motivation had gone down, she ended up feeling awkward somehow, but she had no excuse to refuse.
– … Sure.
– Then, as we walk.
Giving her OK, Shizuno gracefully turned on her heels.
Haruka nervously followed her kouhai that led the way.
– You refused to join the recue team, huh.
Shizuno started talking.
She walked in the hallway with firm steps.
Feeling it was heard by someone who passed by, Haruka suddenly shivered.
But unexpectedly, people weren’t interested in others.
Seeing the indifferent look of the people passing through the corridor, she sighed with a feeling of relief while showing interest in it.
– Did you hear that from Moroha?
– No? But I could guess it. No matter how I look at it, it’s impossible for the competent Senpai not to be chosen for the squad.
– I-it’s not like I’m competent or anything…
Haruka ducked her head.
Then she stole a glance at Shizuno’s face seen from the side.
It was as expressionless as usual, she had no idea what she was thinking.
– … Isn’t it bad that I refused?
– Why so? I’d say I’m jealous of Senpai, and that annoys me.
– … What do you mean?
– As a Kuroma, I’m unable to use 《Rentei》, so I can’t join the rescue team. I’m unable to save Moroha even if I want to. Isn’t that humiliating?
Hearing so, Haruka noticed.
Shizuno’s walk wasn’t firm──she got annoyed and her steps became stronger than usual.
– If I were in Senpai’s place, I would definitely go with Moroha.
She didn’t hear like she was being criticized.
She got that from her tone of voice.
Maybe she was purely envious of Haruka and got angry at her own worthlessness.
– … You really like Moroha, don’t you?
Haruka muttered reflexively.
Saying so, she was taken aback and looked around.
She flustered, hoping she wasn’t heard by someone who passed next to her.
There, Shizuno,
– Yes. I like him.
– What are you saying? What should you do if someone were to hear you!?
– Please calm down. It’s not like it’s a problem for me though?
Shizuno even had a hateful face.
With this, Haruka looked like a stupid.
– … What would you do if it reached Moroha’s ears?
Haruka pouted her lips.
– Moroha doesn’t really take people’s rumors seriously.
– Ugh…
Haruka thought that what was pointed out was quite so.
Moroha wouldn’t listen to others unless he heard it directly from Shizuno’s mouth. He was that kind of guy.
(This woman knows Moroha too well)
Haruka looked at Shizuno bitterly.
There,
– Even Senpai likes Moroha, no?
– What are you saying? What should you do if someone hears you!?
– Please calm down. There’s no one else, is there?
Shizuno said nonchalantly.
Haruka was absorbed in the conversation, but by the time she realized, she was out of the building.
Together with a sigh of relief, she replied, feeling confused.
– I, I don’t dislike him. But as a friend or as a companion…
Still, Shizuno was unresponsive.
An excuse like that was a stand that was not worth listening to.
(She! She’s really bully!)
Haruka cursed at her in her heart and lost her nerve.
Shizuno just hurried forward.
And Haruka noticed.
Although Shizuno came inviting her to try talking while walking, her unhesitant pace seemed to have a proper destination.
Shizuno headed straight to an empty place behind the branch office.
It was a place more similar to a forest than a garden.
They set foot inside of it.
– Hey, where does this go?
– You’ll know in a moment.
Shizuno answered without looking around at her.
In fact, it was like that.
From the depths of the forest, she heard a wind-cutting-like sharp voice.
– ──Suraaa!
A unique shout of encouragement.
At the same time, a flash of white prana ran, leaving a trail.
It was from Moroha. Haruka grasped that immediately.
She grasped that an equivalent fighting spirit put into it was transmitted to her.
He was fighting. With whom?
But she couldn’t feel it was tense.
Rather, it felt somewhat refreshing….
(What is he doing?)
Her curiosity rising up, Haruka hurried.
Then, as if the task was completed, Shizuno stopped walking without knowing why and went deep into the forest.
In the meantime, white flashes blinked dozens of times.
And Haruka saw.
Moroha wielded a sword with both hands and rushed through the ground, slashing his sword.
A dazzling prana ran on the blade.
A trail of white light ran in the empty space.
Fast. Powerful.
That one sword was enough to understand how high leveled Moroha was as a Shirogane.
His aim was a small, good-natured old man.
During the battle, he stroked his chin and acted with composure.
Moroha swung his sword diagonally from the shoulder and cut from above the old man’s head.
However, when the blade approached him, the old man didn’t move, he just stroked his beard.
Moroha’s sword speed was terrific, it was no wonder he couldn’t react──but.
As soon as he was slashed by the sword, the figure of the old man disappeared as if becoming mist.
「Ah!」When Haruka thought so, the old man moved behind Moroha.
Ancestral Arts Light Technique 《Komon》.
What Moroha killed was an afterimage and not the old man.
– Tcheeeee.
From the stance he slashed the sword diagonally from the shoulder, Moroha immediately connected a twisting, slashing attack to the back.
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As expected, unlike Haruka, he wasn’t puzzled by the way of walking of the old man who made the afterimage.
He hit the old man behind.
His figure became blurred and disappeared. Again.
Two《Komon》 in a row.
The old man made Moroha slash the afterimage again and took a roundabout path to the back.
While blowing wind with composure!
– ──Oooh.
Moroha let out a war cry.
He rotated one more time from the back twisting slash and connected a second back twisting slash.
His posture was chaotic. There was no sword skill at all in it.
With overbearing force, he swung the sword as if slamming it against him.
He cut the old man behind──his figure faded and disappeared.
Three in a row!
Astonished, Haruka opened her eyes wide.
The sword of Moroha, who cut the air, pierced the ground due to having excess momentum and stopped.
– Kuh…
A short groan leaked out of his mouth.
It became unbelievable all of a sudden.
That… that Moroha was being led around by the nose….
Seeing the old man getting behind Moroha once again, Haruka suddenly realized who he was.
(This old man is the Chinese Division Head)
Once called the 《Savior》 among《Saviors》, he retired from active duty in less than two years and even now, four years later, the multiple military efforts of the real legend resounded within the White Knight Organization.
An SS-Rank Light Technique Master.
Haruka could do nothing but tremble with the wonderful performance of his 《Godlike Movement》.
Among the 7 practical skills of 《Godlike Movement》, 《Komon》 was said to be the easiest.
However, it was a different story when it came to continuous use.
《Komon》 went from in a state of rest to top speed in an instant, or rather, it changed gears to the opposite and an afterimage was created by a difference in pace which was impossible for ordinary people.
If one repeated such absurd body movements two or three times, the burden would become outrageous and the legs would naturally come to a stop.
Each time one tried to create an afterimage, the difficulty level skyrocketed quickly.
Speaking of image, it was a normal 《Komon》that went over 5 vaulting boxes. A double was more than 10 vaulting boxes. A triple then felt like it was over 20 vaulting boxes maybe?
Haruka was an expert of 《Godlike Movement》, but it didn’t mean she could do double.
But bravery and the like were absolutely not usable in actual fighting.
If one failed and one’s legs stopped, there would be no naïve enemy who would fail to notice that chance.
If it was about a triple, on an incredibly good day, and with a “no pressure playtime”, it would be something she could do by retrying many times.
This old man──Tekka tried to do it very easily.
While the long sword buzzed, the good-natured old man stroked his beard.
Seeing Moroha swing the sword against his will and throwing off the balance of his body,
– Are we done yet?
– What?
Moroha, from a disordered posture, kicked the left foot into the air as if springing up.
But what he hit was an afterimage too.
The fourth…《Komon》 in a row.
The old man, who took a roundabout path to the side, kicked Moroha’s pivot leg to make him fall down.
However, and as if reading so, Moroha attacked with the sword with one hand while falling.
But what he cut off was nothing but an afterimage.
The fifth in a row…!
Looking like she was witnessing an incredibly ridiculous 《Komon》, Haruka ended up half smiling.
– It is the end after all.
Tekka, who took a roundabout path to the other side, put his foot on Moroha who completely fell flat to pin him down.
There was a winner.
Haruka thought there was.
However, as soon as Tekka put his foot on him, the figure of Moroha became blurred then disappeared.
– Ho! A 《Komon》in that posture!
Tekka, who displayed composure, was surprised.
Haruka had the same opinion.
After all, Moroha was well outside the norm.
Moving from a lying-face-down state to a speed enough to create an afterimage, he ran around behind Tekka and thrust his word at him instantly.
A blow that tried to go through the shortest distance at the fastest speed.
Tekka turned his head and immediately stopped the blow with his right index finger.
Ancestral Arts Light Technique 《Kinu》.
*TN: Kinu is an archaic way of saying Sun.
This was a sober but super advanced Light Technique. The tip of the sword and fingertip.
Point and point collided and fought each other head-on.
As if assuming the aspect of a blade lock.
Moroha clenched his teeth, mustered his prana and tried to push into it.
Tekka still had a detached attitude and stopped the blow with composure.
The prana that fought each other looked as if sparks danced down violently.
How much force and force collided with one another at that point? The aftermath reached even Haruka. It hurt like ripping her apart. The branches and leaves of the surrounding trees raged like a storm, cracks were carved in the tree trunks.
And the sword blade of Moroha’s iron sword also had a small crack.
As they struggled, Tekka laughed like a good-natured old man.
– It seems that before getting to the bottom of it, my opponent won’t be able to endure it.
He forced back the finger that caught the tip of the sword with a light movement.
With only that much, the body of Moroha was blown off to the back.
– Kuh…
While being blown away, Moroha held the sword vertically and took a guard stance.
Why? The very moment Haruka thought so.
The figure of Tekka appeared abruptly right in front of the blown off Moroha.
It was a strange scene, it felt like a movie that was made by cutting and connecting the frames of a film.
The highest derived technique of《Godlike Movement》. The secret technique.
Shukuchi’s way of walking《Hagun》.
In the blink of an eye, Tekka, who caught up with Moroha who was blown away by him, hit him from the top of the guard of the sword.
Although it looked like a light strike, a very low frequency sound resounded, the leaves of trees scattered everywhere.
Moroha, who was blown away to the back, was blown away with even more acceleration.
A scene that looked like a joke.
And Tekka caught up with him in the twinkling of a star.
Two 《Hagun》 in a row.
The-way-too-surprised Haruka no longer knew what face she should have to watch this fight attentively.
Without caring about such spectator──
– Here is another one.
Tekka caught up with the blown-off Moroha with a composed face.
Three 《Hagun》 in a row.
An aerial combo that lasted forever. Won’t Moroha lose without being able to take a safe land like in fighting games?
It was nothing but a comedy nightmare.
At the point the growing-pale Haruka was staring at, Tekka fired a fist without consideration.
That was Moroha, and he, who was supposed to be unable to move in the air──suddenly dodged it by jumping sideways.
How did he do it?
– Hoo. What a smart action.
Tekka praised him.
Haruka also could understand it a little later.
Every time Tekka hit, the aftermath of the impacts caused countless leaves of trees to dance down.
Moroha used one of them as a foothold and jumped.
《Mongyoku》, the Shinsen way of walking that allowed one to walk on water, walls or everywhere.
– Impressive. I, who was a hermit way of living, is fascinated by you.
Tekka, who flew through the air, laughed out loud.
Moroha, who tried avoiding him, stamped on the ground as soon as he landed, rolled over and readied his sword again to counterattack.
He showed an unconventional third《Hagun》 and sprung from Tekka’s side.
His figure divided into four.
A finishing blow that Haruka was also great at.
Swift and simultaneous consecutive attacks, 《Donrou》.
An upward cut to the right, an upward diagonal cut to the right, a thrust and a bisecting cut from the head──Moroha, who bet all his power and made speed explode so that he was mistaken by his clones instantaneously, swooped down on Tekka from all sides.
Haruka involuntarily clenched her fists.
Normally, a powerful technique like《Hagun》 left a gap after being used.
That「normally」didn’t apply to Tekka, but no matter how much of a Sennin he was, since he tried doing three of them in a row, he should be able to get some chance.
That was as thin as going through the eye of a needle, but a chance was a chance.
Unless he aimed and go, unless he bet on it, he wouldn’t be able to win.
Probably because even Moroha felt such a difference in true strength, Haruka felt as if she felt relieved with his manliness.
Looking at Moroha and the revitalization of his 《Donrou》, Tekka──
– Ho. Are you impatient?
His body multiplied by 8.
8 Tekka engaged the 4 Moroha.
A two-to-one composition occurred in four places.
Each of the four sword techniques released by the 4 Moroha were parried by 4 Tekka and their empty hands and the other 4 Tekka drove their opposite fists into them.
That was how it was reflected in the eyes of Haruka, but the result, if one went straight to the point, was that Moroha ended up receiving the four fists of Tekka.
– Kahah.
He dropped the sword and fell as if collapsing on the spot.
Unlike before, he wasn’t blown off to the back.
He was hit with 《Saturn》, a Light Technique that only mowed consciousness.
There was a victor this time.
– Hey, pull yourself together.
Without enduring it, Haruka butted in and ran up to Moroha who fell face down.
Enduring the pain and sitting directly on the ground with bare feet, she lay his head in her lap.
She slapped his cheek, but there was no sign of him recovering consciousness.
– Worry not, give him 10 minutes and he will wake up. He was hit by that kind of wind.
Tekka smiled like a good-natured old man.
He probably realized long ago that Haruka was watching attentively. He wasn’t surprised even when she got herself between them.
He grasped their relationship by seeing the Akane Academy uniform.
On the other hand, Haruka didn’t know what Moroha and Tekka were doing.
– This guy pestered me to train with him.
Was it written all over her face? Tekka told her.
– Amazing….
Haruka was astonished.
Not that receiving the martial arts teachings of the lazy living legend was something one craved for?
– I owe him a favor. I didn’t refuse.
Tekka smiled broadly as he stroked his beard.
– But since it’s over, I couldn’t help but have fun too. Since I was showered with the almost refreshing fighting spirit of this person, I feel clean, even the karma accumulated in my body.
Haruka didn’t know what that “karma” was.
However, when thinking back upon the way of their fight, she did have to agree. They exchanged fearsome special moves and crashed into each other to the limits of their strength, but it didn’t feel sad or gloomy at all.
The word “incredible match” seemed to fit it precisely.
The sleeping face of the defeated Moroha looked somewhat bright too.
– It was my first time seeing Moroha having his arm twisted from the front.
– Well, I’ve been training kung fu for 500 years. I can’t be beaten by greenhorns.
Tekka raised his voice and laughed loudly.
– If we have 10 matches, I’ll win all 10 of them. If we have fun like this.
– Eh?
Sensing the implication of Tekka’s words, Haruka raised her face and asked a question in return.
– I have the upper hand in power and speed. The dexterousness of our techniques is the difference between heaven and earth. However, the strength of this person──the essence is that kind of thing, yes.
– If Dark Arts are extra points, is Moroha strong then?
– That’s of no importance.
However, the good-natured old man denied it plainly.
Then what does that mean? Haruka suddenly felt curiosity.
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Tekka looked down at Moroha.
With mirror-like eyes that revealed all the truth, he said.
– The real nature of this person is Asura.
It seemed to be… a metaphorical expression.
However, since it lacked too much concreteness, Haruka couldn’t see it.
-Kill, destroy and overthrow──that’s his duty. Do you understand? From my point of view, this guy, who fought briskly, is just like a baby. However, slaughtering until choking the life out of an opponent and being one of the two that stands at the end; if the match happens to be like that… then I will never be rash with him. I will run away to the end of a Bodhisattva’s palms, to the end of the earth. I want to live a long life.
Tekka gave a supplementary explanation.
But in the end, it was incomprehensible.
Having a difficult face, Tekka laughed.
– It’s no use even if you try conjecturing with reason. We’re outside of that.
The eyes turned towards her weren’t cold as a mirror but warm like a gaze turned to his grandchild.
Being treated like a green, Haruka pouted her lips.
But as a matter of fact, from the point of view of this Sennin who had lived for 500 years, the 7 billion human beings were nothing but greens
When she thought so, the acid reflux went down and the pouting lips returned to normal.
Just as Tekka said, Moroha woke up exactly 10 minutes later.
Haruka poked at his forehead who was examining the situation with sleepy eyes.
Then, and as if bursting open like a bubble, the eyes of Moroha opened completely.
– Mo-Momo-senpai?
He wondered why Haruka was there.
And why was she giving him a lap pillow?
He was surprised.
– I-I’m sorry. I’m getting up now.
– It’s okay. It’s okay. Tekksan, the opponent, was quite difficult, no? Let’s keep doing this for a while.
– I’m grateful… but Senpai’s bare feet are too exciting for me.
– D-d-d-d-don’t think of a lewd thing like that!
Haruka screamed and made Moroha’s head get out of the way.
– It’s bad for Momo-senpai to be way too defenseless 24/7. Because of that, even I’m embarrassed, but I had no choice but to say it myself.
Moroha protested while sitting upright himself.
– “Defenseless” is a very unpleasant expression!
– Then what should I say? 『Momo-senpai, you are way too immature』?
– I’ll beat you to death!
– Hey, you got angry. I’d say it’s better than saying “defenseless”.
They quarreled while sitting on the bare earth all together in the forest.
──They noticed that they were in a really idiotic situation.
– anyway. Thank you for the lap pillow. It was really pleasant. In a non-lewd sense.
– S-sure thing. In a non-lewd sense.
They reconciled while coughing excessively.
Their faces were still a bit red.
– By the way, where did Tekksan go?
Moroha awkwardly changed the topic while sitting cross-legged.
– He went to take a break. He said he would come back in 30 minutes.
Haruka also sat cross-legged and told the words she was entrusted with.
– Ah, okay. Thank you.
The topic ended.
Or more precisely, an awkward air drifted.
– Say something, Moroha!
– Ah, sure.
Moroha honestly put his brain to work,
– Speaking of it, Senpai, you were watching us, yes?
He brought up the bout of some time ago.
Tekka noticed her, but Moroha seemed to have not noticed her.
– This is rare, you’re quite perceptive.
That would be a proof that he was concentrated on the fight with Tekka.
– If it were the eyes of someone else, I think I would have noticed them. When it comes to Momo-senpai, I usually let my guard down.
– I, I see…. It’s that kind of thing, huh.
Haruka hurriedly stiffened the cheeks that seemed to have softened.
– I was able to see when you were viciously beaten.
Moroha scratched his head.
– Although I say so, you seemed to be having a great time.
– You understood that?
Haruka nodded.
– No matter what I do, I can’t get through Tekksan at all. On the contrary, a retaliation that surpassed my imagination by two levels came──
(Only two levels…?)
– Tekksan seems to particularly put an emphasis on《Godlike Movement》, but I was able to see it up close, it became incredibly informative──
The facial expression of Moroha who talked about it was much happier than ever.
It shone so much it became startling.
– Tekksan said that if you were to have 10 matches, he would win them all.
Haruka cursed in order to suppress the disturbance of her palpitations.
– I guess so. Even if we had 100 matches, Tekksan would win.
Moroha didn’t deny it and scratched his head, looking blank.
But──
– If we had 1,000 matches, I don’t know. I could get one. If we had 10,000, I might be able to get over 100. That’s what I think.
He said so, giving a broad smile.
– The problem is that I don’t have time to go for 10,000 bouts, it’s just an impracticable theory.
He poked fun at his own words and adorned them with a joke.
His smiling face and his face seen from the side were dazzling to Haruka.
A young man, she thought.
Her chest became more and more painful,
– The first time I saw you, I knew you were that much of a tough guy. The guy who hates losing didn’t have the chance to grasp it, huh.
She ended up striking him with a stronger abusive language.
– Haha.
Without looking like he cared at all, Moroha laughed loudly.
– Momo-senpai is tough too, right? How many bouts do you think we’ve had so far?
He suddenly wore a malicious face.
– Do you want to say that only I lose!?
Haruka sulked and got angry.
She got too angry because he hit the mark.
– Don’t get too carried away! You’re an S-Rank and an amazing guy, but I’ll knock you down some day, so watch out!
Shouting tit for tat,
– … Ah.
She became aware of her own words.
The way of the expression was different, but didn’t she say the same thing that Moroha said a moment ago?
– We may be unexpectedly similar people, don’t you agree?
The cross-legged Moroha looked up at the sky.
Haruka got enticed and looked up.
A blue sky spread exhaustively.
It was infinite but she felt a contradiction of wanting to see the end of it.
Human nature.
– It’s been so exciting to have a bout with Tekksan, I feel like I’m getting addicted to it.
(I also want to bout with you every day)
Embarrassed, Haruka was unable to say it, but it might have been transmitted in the atmosphere.
Moroha slipped out a chuckle.
(Similar people, huh…)
Haruka thought over those words while looking up at the sky.
Words she had never thought of until now.
Because Haruka was a Shirogane with poor talent and whose only redeeming feature was speed.
Moroha was the S-Rank 《Ancient Dragon》.
Haruka thought that he was a distant being that she couldn’t catch up with no matter how hard she tried.
(No, I’m sure I can’t catch up with him, but…)
Rather, she misunderstood.
For some reason or another, Haruka arbitrarily decided that Moroha was 「incredible because he was an incredible guy」.
But when thinking about it very carefully──Moroha also worked hard, he went to the limit.
He had never skipped a special practice after school using whatever worthless reason.
On top of that, Haruka often requested that she wanted him to accompany her in her personal special training.
She wasn’t aware of it because the feeling of being taught was strong, but could it be that Moroha, who accompanied her, was training even more and as much as Haruka?
Moreover, Moroha went along with all sorts of personal training, including Satsuki, Sophia and Tokiko.
One could keep talking on and on.
(It’s obvious that I can’t catch up with him if I do my best as much as him)
She thought she was a hard worker.
Was it perhaps a ridiculous misunderstanding or conceit…?
Haruka turned her eyes to Moroha.
As she looked up at the sky, his face seen from the side was looking forward to Tekka’s return.
She felt like being unable to stay there a second longer.
(I didn’t have the opportunity to know and I didn’t try to know…)
But at the same time, she wanted to stare at his face seen from the side forever.
To be able to know more about Moroha.
To be able to notice.
The throbbing in her chest raged even more, it went out of control.
She couldn’t do it by herself.
Even her body got excited. She was so restless, she couldn’t help but do something.
As expected, I do like Moroha! ──Still, she didn’t have the guts to say it.
Instead, Haruka said this.
– I’d like to join your training.
She stood up, turned in front of Moroha and asked while staring at his eyes.
– With pleasure.
Moroha agreed readily.
He held out his hand with a smile.
Haruka pulled it to let him get up.
She firmly clasped Moroha’s hand without letting it go, without letting it go.
Tekka came back and the bout with the combination of Moroha & Haruka started.
– Are you really making an elderly person work too hard?
Tekka complained, but he didn’t say no.
Tekka’s strength was tremendous and even with the addition of Haruka, they were unable to compete with him.
Moroha got injured to the extent it was interesting with the two of them.
Every time Moroha was mowed down in one go, he smiled and looked at each other’s face.
He was having fun from the bottom of his heart.
If it was with all his strength and if his feelings were earnest, then hitting and collapsing felt really good!
Before she knew it, the uncertain feeling held in her heart today was blown away.
Moroha seemed to have asked Tekka to train earnestly until the day before the operation.
Haruka had decided to accompany him until the end.
How many times would they lose in three days and in this condition?
Could they do it a hundred times?
But it didn’t matter. By the time they challenge him the 100th time, they surely.
I’m confident that I’ll have the courage to not run away from the hand that Moroha presented to me again──