Chapter 4: Kikuyo Kagataka
Grandfather, Grandmother, me, G-3, Kaname, and lastly the free-loader Reki–
When we all eat dinner together, it’s pretty lively. Although the faces have changed a lot, it’s like the days when my parents and older brother filled out the number.
The men sat cross-legged and the women sat in seiza around the low table, in the tatami floored living room. Sitting while holding her knees like in gym class was Reki’s default, but Grandmother had taught her to sit in seiza.
「Now Kaname! You must learn to eat fish more neatly, it’s an insult to the fisherman! Don’t spill your rice! There are 88 gods in each grain!1」
Grandfather was giving a lecture on Japanese manners, but he was having fun doing it. He likes it when things are lively.
Almost every recipe in my Grandmother’s repertoire is ethnic Japanese. Tonight it’s Pacific saury grilled with salt, root vegetable broth, followed by cooked rice, and miso soup with clam.
What was on the table was extremely common fare, the typical scene of a Japanese dinner, but…
「So Aniki, you’ve stopped being a Butei!? Now you can kill in self-defence! That’s great!」
Saying that, G-3 loudly chomped down on his clams. While still awkward with her chopsticks, Kaname noisily munched her fish. These two American born Genions.
By the way G-3, this irresponsible habit of changing your hairstyle everyday is something you should stop. You’ll go bald.
Your daily choice of clothes is also strange, are you Lady Gaga or something?
Having had to forsake her unbalanced diet of Calorie Mate bars ever since coming to my house, seated beside me was Reki who was able to intimidate even S-Rank Butei — A sniper able to hit a pocket-size book at a range of 2 kilometres.
Oh, and outside, taking care of the food scraps and recently growing a little plump, was Haimaki, former underling of Vlad, the Count Dracula.
All of those here some kind of unique prodigies. Every one.
「Seconds.」
Completely ignoring G-3’s recent remark, I held out my now empty rice bowl. Since it would be wrong to make my Grandmother do all of the work, my family has this rule that the person sitting nearest to the container of rice is in charge of serving it.
So while G-3 grumbled 『Am I your mother?』, he served the rice.
And over by my grandfather…
*Bzzzz*
Attracted by the smell of fish, one of the last flies of the season flew in.
Well, we are on the first floor, so there’s no helping it.–
As I was thinking that.–
*Catch*
A-amazing! My grandfather caught the fly.
With his chopsticks.
Just like Miyamoto Musashi!2
My grandfather is matching the speed of his chopsticks to the flying fly and the holding them lightly between the chopsticks. That is how he is catching flies on the fly.
「Even an insect has a soul.」
Saying that, my grandfather, having not killed the fly, released it outside… then went to wash his chopsticks in the kitchen… G-3 and Kaname were astonished.
The only one not surprised was Reki, munching her own food–
「Kinzou, would you like more grated daikon?」
My grandmother asked smiling with drooping eyelids.
Huh…? Kinzou…? Who’s that?
「…Yeah.」
G-3 answered, turning a little red.
With a look of 「?」 on my face, Kaname said:
「Since Grandmother kept calling him Chi-Sando and other things by mistake, she gave him a Japanese name, okay?」
While giving that explanation, Kaname grinned at G-3.
Kinzou, G-3: Golden Cross the Third.
Isn’t that just a literal translation?3
But it seems that the name doesn’t suit the person himself, so knowing that, he glared at me and Reki.
「Aniki, you too Reki. Don’t you call me that. G-3 is fine.」
「Got it, Kinzou.」
「Understood, Kinzou-san」
「Kinzou!」
That last bit was Kaname.
「You guys…!」
Saying that, G-3 was about to snap, but…
He saw Grandfather had returned to the living room, and he quieted down.
Does this guy have respect for the elderly, or something?
*****************************************************************************************
After dinner, in order to brush up on conversation topics I could talk about with my classmates, I watched all kinds of TV shows and dramas. But watching TV with a set purpose became boring rather quickly, so I stopped partway through.
If it were Riko, she could probably do it…
Thinking that, when I thought that I had to go to school tomorrow, it made me depressed.
Ever since I was invited to her house, my lifeline Moe for some reason would say: 『I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Just forget about that letter.』 and look like she was about to cry. And every time I try to get closer to her, Reki would pelt me with acorns.
Why do I even go to that school? I don’t understand any of the lessons, so there’s no point.
I’ve already skipped school and shut myself up in my room, but… Lately, I haven’t been sleeping well.
Maybe my nerves are overactive because of the lack of daily fights, leading to some kind of insomnia.
I wonder if it’s some kind of–breakdown?
I feel like my mind, while relaxed, is slowly rotting away.
Why…? Even with this peace… With this daily peace, I shouldn’t have anything to complain about…
In the middle of this peace, my mind has reached a critical point.
I wonder if all those people who quit being a Butei have had the same thoughts?
Thinking about that, Headmaster Midorimatsu said something like that, didn’t he?
『Students from Butei High are poor in their studies, lacking in social education, and have high drop-out rates.』
So it seems like I all but, fit that typical case.
No! No! No! Stop it Kinji!
Standing up, I put on my haori4 and went out onto the veranda to clear my head in the night air.
I need to hang in there. To become a normal person like Moe. What do I have to do?
Speaking of her… Moe…
I thought about her.
She said she was attending a cram school. There should be classes for under-achieving students like me.
I’m a little unsure about my future finances, but if I sell off all my equipment from my time at Butei High, that should be enough. It should even be enough to pay for a major gap-school.5
If studying became fun, maybe school would become a little more enjoyable as well. School is a place to learn, after all.
Pondering that new idea–
「…?」
In a corner of my family’s quite large garden, a light shone… What is G-3 doing? He is steadily digging up the ground with a US Army issue shovel.
Perhaps because he had been at it for a while and become hot, he wasn’t wearing anything except a mountain camouflage shirt on his brawny torso, even though he is usually flashy with his clothes.
Putting on a pair of slip-on shoes, I approached the suspiciously acting G-3 and called to him.
「Oi! Kinzou, you can’t just go digging holes in people’s gardens.」
「I’ll kill you! Rather, if it’s your family’s garden, it’s my family’s garden too!」
「Who are you, Giant?6」
Examining the materials G-3 had stacked there–
He had all of the supplies to construct a greenhouse. And tomato seeds…?
「What are you doing?」
「Are you so thick that you can’t tell by looking, Aniki? After preparing and improving the soil, I’m going to raise vegetables. I’ve mobilised all of my subordinates and accelerated the growth cycle by selective breeding, but it’s a local product. A product of Kumamoto, a 『Gondou Farms Salted Tomato』. See for yourself.」
Saying that, he handed me something… it was a small tomato.
It was a beautiful specimen and nibbling it, even though it had 『salt』 in the name, it was sweet. It was good.
「We only just discovered this. This species of tomato synthesises natural fructose and Lycopene organic compounds that, undergoing an unexpected side-reaction, produce another chemical compound– It neutralises my 『Life Limiter』. So I want to plant them in fields all over the world, so that I can eat them for the rest of my life.」
Speaking of that… G-3’s creators at Los Alamos had introduced a congenital defect into his body in order to prevent rebellion. That inhuman method required G-3 to ingest some kind of secret compound at regular intervals or it would adversely affect his vital functions. He has identified that chemical.
That’s wonderful, isn’t it?
「And so you became a farmer, huh? You have it rough too.」
「If you are going to pity me, at least give me a hand. Well… water, salt, vitamins, are all things that humans need to keep living, humans need a lot of things. In my case, I only need one more. 」
Working briskly, G-3 finished constructing the greenhouse and began skillfully planting the seeds… I don’t need to say it… but it was as to be expected of a Genion.
「From the results of selective breeding, a strain of potato can also be cultivated. Gramps will be taking care of that.」
Saying that, he once again confirmed his attachment to Grandfather.
「By the way, you are always so calm in front of Grandfather. I thought you were the egocentric type.」
Saying that while eating a tomato, I ventured a probe.
「He is a living legend. It’s my way of showing proper respect to a 『Die hard』」
「『Die Hard』? The film?」
「Aniki, please… you should learn more English. 『Die hard』, it means someone who is hard to kill. It will be on a test.」
「I’m sure it won’t.」
「Do you at least know that Japan was at war with the US a long time ago?」
「Of course I know that!」
「『Die hard』 was a special designation used by the US Army after World War II to classify those 『Un-killable Soldiers』 of former enemy nations that would require special measures to deal with in case war broke out again– To be more precise, those soldiers whom it would cost an enormous amount of personnel and expenses to kill. The US have not been negligent in life-long surveillance of these people. 3 of them are living in Japan, 2 in Germany, 2 in Russia, and 1 in Iraq. So Aniki… even though you are his grandchild, you seriously don’t know the heroic exploits of Magane Tohyama?」
Asking that, G-3 looked disappointed.
「Grandfather never liked talking about the war.」
「You don’t show him enough respect. I’ll tell you.」
Finishing the first phase of his farm-work, G-3…
Started telling my Grandfather’s story.
Grandfather was an ensign in the old Imperial Japanese Navy. A Zero fighter pilot.
While near the Aleutian Archipelago in the North Pacific, he encountered heave anti-aircraft fire from US forces and was unable to return to his ship, so he crashed in the frozen waters…
After that, he somehow managed to swim and cross back into what once was Japanese territory–a small, snow-covered island, Blesk Island7— Unluckily, two days later, US forces landed 300 troops on the island, but he was able–single-handedly–to hold them back.
Thanks to his efforts, 100 military and civilian personnel on the island were able to be evacuated safely. But because of the number of serious wounds he suffered in that battle, it was not until after the war that he was able to stand on his own feet once more.
『Because of injuries sustained in the crash, he was hospitalised until the end of the war』 『He had lost sight of his comrades in a fog』…
Those were the vague things that I had heard from him, and how I wished those stories were actually true…!
What are you doing, Grandfather…! Of course something like that would have an effect on the US!
The one in my family that is the most abnormal is Grandfather.
And now, he is in his room, lazing around on his bed and farting while reading horse racing magazines.
******************************************************
I’ll never be free from my extraordinarily gifted family if I don’t become a responsible adult.
First of all, I have to be able to keep up in school. Following my thoughts from the other day, I went to check out a gap-school on Meiji Dori Street called 『Kawai Cram School』.
It’s impressive that a cram school takes up the entire 9-storey building! This is an unknown world for me.
「I mean, why did you come with me!」
「I am just walking the same way as you.」
Being as uncommunicative as ever, Reki stayed by my side and we entered the top floor conference room together to get the necessary information, but… although I can’t say anything about other people, it was very surreal. To see a genius sniper at a cram school.
Now then, which courses should I take…?
I looked through the pamphlet they had given me, and as we went back to get on the elevator…
「?」
W-what’s this?
It seems that students on this floor had finished their classes, and they got into the elevator with us.
As they crowded in, I looked up from the pamphlet and saw a girl.
And another girl.
They were all girls.
They were also wearing East Ikebukuro High School uniforms, and what more, they were all in the same year as us!
What is with these people! Why are they all trying to get onto the same elevator with Reki and me?
「We are the 『Transfer Student Couple’s Support Club』!」
「Now then, we’re getting tired of watching the two of you! When are the two of you going to get closer?」
「Come on! Get closer already!」
As the girls said those things us, they created a very strange situation….
As for this 『Support Club』–this group has the same poor-sounding naming sense as Riko.
「H-hey! Reki and I–」
I started to explain, but…
「No way! I knew he calls her by her first name~!」
「And Yada-san calls Tohyama-kun, 『Kinji-san』, doesn’t she~!」
By talking, I only managed to excite them even more.
W-what is this…?
In a normal school, is it wrong for guys and girls to call each other by their first names? The group only became more disorganised and pushy, and all the girls started shoving.
First they all crowed around Reki, and then started pushing us together.
Because we were in a small elevator, they was nowhere to run… I was unable to resist the girls… and now facing each other, Reki and I were forced up against each other.
「Now! Tohyama-kun and Yada-san, show a little courage! 」
Saying that, the girls grabbed my right and left arms– making it look like I was hugging Reki.
W-what do you want me to do…!
Classes were over and the floor was empty, and they had someone keeping the elevator open by repeatedly pressing the 『Open Door』 button.
These girls, they saw us coming into the cram school and worked out this plan.
「…Ugh…」
Like a game of Oshikura Manju8, they kept pushing on R-Reki’s back–but pulled on my arms so that it looked like I was holding her in a tight embrace.
「…」
Then, they took the expressionless Reki’s hands and placed them around my back.
Now it really looks like we are embracing each other! Me and Yada-san.
But Reki’s chest, more than Aria’s but less than Watson’s, in terms of safety… that is… R-Reki… h-have they gotten bigger!?
As I noticed this…
*Ka-thump*
It happened. The throb of Hysteria Mode. It even happened under these strange conditions…!
「Chuu!」
「Chu~u!」
「Chuu!!!」
「Chuu! Chuu!」
「Chuu!」
What are you… a swarm of mice…!?9
Reki and I had been surrounded by girl mice.
If I don’t do something about these pushy pack of squeakers, we won’t be able to go home.
Also– If they keep pushing Reki’s chest up against me, things will get dangerous. For Reki and for them.
If I go into Hysteria Mode, I will probably start moving supersonically. Hurting everyone.
「R-Reki, look up and pull your chest in…!」
Thinking that I was 『getting ready to kiss her』, the girls squealed.
But that was not what I had in mind. It was a stop-gap body re-positioning measure meant to relax the crushing pressure that had us glued chest to chest.
That was my formulated plan, but for some reason when I communicated it Reki…
She did not look up at me.
She buried her head against my chest and remained there fixedly.
「What are you doing, Reki? Do what I said!」
The girl mice got excited all over when I instructed Reki again–
Reki turned her head slightly to the side…
…peeking out.
Looking at me with upturned eyes.
Apparently she is under the impression I am going to kiss her in front of all these people, and her face…
…is embarrassed.
I’ve also noticed a slight change in Reki’s expression.
I’ve noticed faint hints of emotion have been sprouting inside of Reki ever since the school trip… this is embarrassment.
Reki, embarrassed is…
C-cute.
Combined with her usual lack of expression, i-it’s destructive power…
*Ka-thump*
*Sigh*…
I–made a wry smile.
Reki, Reki. Really… she is a cute girl too, isn’t she?
But I already knew that, didn’t I? You really are sweet. I knew it from the time we met.
Not recognising a girl’s secret love is a sin. A sin against the entire world.
As a reward for triggering my Hysteria mode by showing me that embarrassed face–
Reki, I want to kiss you passionately hundreds of times until you lose all feeling, but…
「…I understand all of you girls’ feelings.」
I said, sensing the flow of energy throughout the group of girls that surrounded us–
Raising my index fingers and excusing myself, I stroked the girls’ sleeves using only my fingertips.
Their bodies tensed, and they all stood straighter as if they had snapped to attention.
「W-what?」
「?」
「W-what’s this…」
「Huh…?」
The girls started looking around at each other…
With Hysteria Mode, it is possible to lead some to move as you wish and maintain total control just like in Aikido.
It is possible to make them assume almost any position. Using their own power.
「The feelings of all women alike should be respected. Who here–shares Reki’s feelings? If there anyone like that, would you please raise your hand?」
Gathering Reki in my right arm, I shot a sharp look at each of the girls as I gave a smile–
*Poof* *Poof* *P-P-Poof* *Po~of*
They all turned bright red. Standing stiff in shock with their mouths hanging open.
Hmph… It seems that these little mischievous mice have calmed down.
One girl had started to raise her hand, but I turned and stopped her with a kind smile.
You’re Ichi-san, if I’m not mistaken. You shouldn’t sell yourself so cheaply.
Then…
Drawing Reki’s head closer with my right hand, I brought my lips close to her ear.
Because my brain in Hysteria Mode has altogether too much redundant memory and perceptivity…
I realised that these girls were not the only ones following us.
「–There is an enemy not far off, and you cannot fight a close-quarters battle. We will retreat separately and go home.」
I said.
「……」
Having come to the same conclusion that I did, Reki moved her hands nervously, grabbing my blazer.
「… Do you think your lord is so weak? Or, Reki, are you the kind to deny me the pleasure of the night? Ah, if that is it, I am somewhat anxious for our future together.」
Closing my eyes, I whispered these words closely into Reki’s ear.
「……」
At the words 『our future together』, Reki gave a small response–showing that she held a feeling of expectation.
*Whish* *Whish*
She shook her head from side to side. Alright, she seems to have given permission.
「Rest, Reki. I am glad you came with me.」
Releasing her from my arm, I exited the elevator alone.
As the door closed, the one in charge of keeping the door open, lifted her hand slightly from the button–
As the door closed, I winked them a goodbye.
Judging from the sound, It seems that several of the girls fainted inside the elevator. Some of them even had nosebleeds.
It seems that my gaze was much too stimulating for those innocent girls.
Then–the first half of the Ulus proverb that Reki had shared popped into my head–
『A wolf cannot become a dog.』
Echoing in my mind. Like a bad omen.
****************************************************************
Putting plenty of space behind me, I took the stairs to the first floor–
Going out the front door of the building onto the night scene of Meiji Street, I began walking along the sidewalk.
And beside the guard railing–
「Tohyama–! Cough up the dough–!」
「Ya better not have forgotten!」
Sure enough, it was Fujkibayashi and Asao riding that modded motorbike and waiting to ambush me.
Fujikibayashi wore cheap brass knuckles on his fingers, and Asao carried a metal bat.
In the surrounding area, there were many students going home after cram school. The troublesome thing is that there are East Ikebukuro High students among them.
There are too many spectators, but… whatever, they make no difference.
Although I’m in Hysteria Mode this time, what I need to do is the same.
The scene is 『The two strong delinquents abusing me with violence』 Act No. 2.
I need to buy a little time so Reki won’t be dragged into this.
「This is dangerous! It looks like there is going to be a fight.」
The girls said as they began clearing the area…
「Like to butt in on other people’s business, do ya!?.」
Fujikibayashi said as he grabbed me by the shoulders.
While I pretended to let him show off his strength… I took a knee from Asao and doubled over.
Because his angle was off, it felt like he had only brushed by me, but I made it look like it hurt.
After that, my mischievous side came out–
Carefully guided their attacks, I made Asao hit Fujikibayashi and Fujikibayashi hit Asao.
Of course, they attacked without using their weapons.
Teary-eyed from the friendly fire, the two of them couldn’t go more than 3 minutes without losing their breath…
That’s… a little dangerous.
Something by the side of the road had caught my attention.
An illegally blacked-out Toyota Century with even the passenger and driver’s side windows tinted a smoky colour so that you couldn’t see inside.
That kind of car… I know who it is.
A yakuza car.
From the beginning, the car had been parked on the side of the road a a little ways away watching this charade, and I noticed… they were moving closer.
…Stopping near us, the rear window of the Century opened slightly.
「That’s enough, you two.」
Not even having imagined that a yakuza would come up behind them, Fujikibayashi and Asao– turned white as a sheet.
「That gentleman is different.」
It seems that female voice was talking about me… and I paled slightly myself.
It was only because I was in Hysteria Mode that I could hear what was said.
It was mature and slightly husky… That voice was… dangerous… Very dangerous. But a voice, different from the first said:
「Lemme take care of it!」
The passenger window rolled down, an arm stuck out, and a well-built man emerged.
He wore leather rock star trousers. Close cropped gold hair. And earrings in his ears.
Even though it was winter, he wore a black tank top, probably to show off the tattoos that covered his arms.
I’ve seen this man before… in a magazine article.
The International Boxing Federation’s former Pan-Pacific light-heavyweight champion, Leon Izawa.
Half South American Columbian–dark-skinned and muscled– he is decidedly un-Japanese in appearance.
I heard that he was once the leader of a biker-gang10 in Kanto, but after leaving boxing he became a yakuza henchman.
Things had very obviously become dangerous…
The cram-school students that had lined up and surrounded us to watch the fight began whispered nervously.
「–Don’t worry. It seems that they are after me.」
I said to the thoroughly frightened Fujikibayashi and Asao so that wouldn’t panic, as I turned around with a beaming smile…
「Oi! What are you lookin’ at!.」
Leon cracked his knuckles as he approached, grabbed me by the neck, and held me up to his face.
Then he squinted his intimidatingly, and peered at my face–
「Ah~! The brat is strong.」
If you know that, then stop chattering. If I were to lift my arm just a little bit right now, you would bite your tongue and be in very bad spot.
But… That ability to accurately see through and gauge his opponent’s fighting strength isn’t fake.
He is halfway between a professional and amateur– he’s a semi-professional.
「I think you had better stop.」
I warned him, but–
「Don’t worry ’bout me, I’m strong too!」
*Wham!*
Leon threw a heavy body blow.
Since we were so close, it’s power was only about half, but this is what a real punch should be like.
He let go of my neck… it was useless to pretend to stagger, so I reacted normally and put some room between us.
If he were on Fujikibayashi and Asao’s level, I could have fooled him…
But I can’t fool this guy. It looks like I can’t help it.
So that the rubbernecking students aren’t caught up in this, I can’t just run away.
…Dammit! And I had tried so hard to become a normal person…
Inside, my simmering anger boiled over.
In front of everyone… you are making me show my true colours. But now I’m desperate.
I’ll think about the excuse later. A hidden camera show, or something.
Gathering my resolve, I calmed myself, as if I were becoming a different person.
「Hey you!」
Yelled Leon, skillfully transferring his weight and closing the gap between us.
*Pa!*
Sending out a jab, but it was no good. He was a boxer.
Things like kicks, grappling, submissions, throws, and how to use things around you and the ground in fight are things you don’t know.
If you are going to fight hand-to-hand, these are things you should know, like how to head-butt and bite. You are ignorant of the body’s vital points.
After all, your style is a sport. So, I’m sorry, but I don’t plan on standing around and jabbing at each other.
*Pa!* *Pa!*
Leon threw a solid left hook and a right body blow, but–
「Leon, on your left! The police are coming!」
I shouted while Leon was carrying out his punches, and surprised, he jerked his head left.
Having anticipated that movement, before he could move back…
*Pa!*
I struck his jaw with the heel of my hand.
「–Ugh…」
Stunned by the blow, Leon staggered as he stood to his feet and retreated sluggishly.
Of course the police aren’t coming. It was a bluff.
He had been tricked by something so simple. But Leon was still fired up, so…
「This is how you use a sign post!」
Running lightly and jumping, I jumped at a the pole of a 『No Parking』 sign and folded my body in–
–*Boom!*
Like some kind of wall-jump, expanding my arms, legs, and back at the same time, I drove both my feet into Leon’s face. Doing that, I deliver more force than any boxer could pack into a punch.
Saying 『Wow!』 the students watching sent up a cheer.
「Aghhh!」
Upsetting a rubbish bin by the roadside in grand style, Leon fell backwards…*Thump!*…!
Striking the back of his head on the asphalt.
Hey now! Don’t you even know ukemi!?11
「Ooogh…!」
With a nauseous face, Leon writhed in pain. From his perspective, the world must be spinning.
As a boxer, he would never have received a blow to the back of the head. The rules don’t allow it and protect him.
But in actual hand-to-hand combat, you go for the most vital points first.
「…Ughhhh…」
Leaning on the guard rail, Leon was able to raise his upper body.
But it looked like he was unable to stand, and he remained seated. Glaring at me resentfully. Dangerously.
With me looking down at Leon–
It was obvious that victory had been decided, and seeing that, the students raised a loud cheer.
「Shit…!」
Realising that his boxing skills weren’t getting him anywhere, he reached behind his back–
In the back of his leather trousers, from which he drew a gun he had hidden there.
「…You really should stop.」
I had already noticed it and gave Leon a scowl.
Bringing a weapon into the fight makes it interesting, but I think it makes things dangerous for my opponent.
「S-Scared are ya?」
Misinterpreting my statement, Leon sneered with a grin… and I grabbed the grip of the pistol.
「No. It’s been hard for me to hold back.」
And in response to my words–
Leon furrowed his eyebrows.
There was at least the possibility that he knew what I had said was not a lie. But because a yakuza cannot show his back, he pushed on regardless.
「–Die!!!」
Not giving up, he pulled out an automatic pistol–a Makarov PM, and pointed it at me.
Shrieks immediately sounded from the surroundings.
The students screamed 「It’s a gun!」 and fled like a bunch of baby spiders.
And as I saw Leon’s arm muscles tensing to take action, I had already begun to move–
Leon was left-handed, and as soon as he drew his gun, I move to his left side and grabbed the back of his gun in my right hand while jamming my finger in between the cocking hammer– now he won’t be able to shoot.
Next, I restrained Leon’s left superficial flexor muscle, rendering him unable to grasp a gun. At the same time, I released the magazine and pulled the slide back, ejecting the bullet from the chamber so now the cocking hammer would strike only empty air…
…There you go!
If we couldn’t do that in under 5 seconds, Ranbyou would beat us to a pulp.
How many hundreds of times did I do it in ASSAULT, and I got caught up in the moment and 『cleaned up』… In front of everyone.
–Watching me do that, Leon clicked his tongue.
「You… you’re a professional.」
「Ehhh? What do you mean?」
Having a spare magazine, as he loaded it into his gun, I… Felt a strangely exhilarating feeling.
As if what had been bothering me every day until now was a lie.
This fight was child’s-play for me, but was it because I held a gun again?
「You did tell me that I should give up.」
Leon ran his fingers lightly through his closely cropped hair–
I had been glancing back into a corner of my field of vision ever since this bad situation started, and I sighed.
–Moe was there. In the crowd of students watching.
Moe is on the inside of the glass front of the Kawai Cram School, and standing there…
Looking at me with an expression of 「What did I just see happen?」.
Moe did say that she went to a cram school… and it looks like it’s this one. This just isn’t my day.
Seeing me stop and look at her like that, it is obvious that we have some kind of relation.
The yakuza are good at spotting things like that. What might happen if they figure out that you are connected to me.
But… I can’t just tell her to get out of here. Then they’d be sure to find out.
「You there–! Hey–! What are you doing-!」
Although I was bluffing a while ago, now there were police running toward us.
I thought the people at the cram school were ignoring the incident, but it seems that someone had reported it.
But because there was a lot of foot traffic in the area, the officers were having a hard time pushing their way through the crowd.
Then from the backseat of the Century…
「I must thank you for giving that show-boating idiot his medicine.」
Wearing a modern cut kimono meant for casual wear, with flowers arranged in her long, glossy dyed brown hair, a female yakuza stepped out.
Although there’s something slightly off in the look of her eyes, she is a beautiful woman, no, a beautiful girl.
Even though she has a mature look, she can’t be more than 16.
「…I’m not a doctor.」
I know this beauty. I recognised when I heard her voice– Kikuyo Kagataka: Daughter of the organised Kagataka Family syndicate.
「Tohyama. Let’s go on a date. The ‘you’ right now can’t refuse, am I right?」
Saying that, she obviously knows me too. The two of us have met before. Although it’s an impossible fate.
「…」
It looks like she won’t simply allow me to leave. And in Hysteria Mode, it’s hard to ignore womanly wiles.
「Alright. Let’s go. If you were to make too much ‘noise’ though, Kikuyo, it would cost a lot to keep your shady business hidden, you know.」
Grumbling slightly as the driver of the Century pointed an Uzi at me from the slightly cracked door, I… got in the back seat with Kikuyo.
「K-Kikuyo-san, me too…」
Still holding his aching head, Leon tried to get in as well, but Kikuyo…
「Deal with it. You’re a man aren’t you? The cops are coming. Better start moving.」
Leaving him with those words, Kikuyo slammed the car door shut.
**************************************************************************
It sees that Kikuyo is good at eluding the police. She doesn’t seem worried about being caught.
「If you wanted to invite me on a date, don’t you think you could have avoided all this elaborate fuss?」
「I thought that if I made it look like a kidnapping, it would make things easier for you, Tohyama.」
Taking advantage of the fact that the car was rounding a corner, Kikuyo used the side mirror– to look back. At Moe.
I knew she’d figure it out.
Moe had gotten the cram school students to shelter back inside the building….
But after I had gotten into the car, she came back out onto the sidewalk and started looking around.
It was obvious. She was looking for me.
「Is she yours?」
Kikuyo asked, annoyed, raising her pinky finger.
「I don’t know her.」
「Tohyama, whenever you are protecting a girl, you always use the same line.」
In response to my words, Kikuyo adopted a tired look and slouched back.
If I remember, this scent is Hypnotic Poison12— I really don’t like perfumes, but… this one I don’t mind.
And Kikuyo knows this.
Outside the window, crosswalks, vending machines, and signs and billboards for the local nightlife meant to entice the passerby streamed past.
As the car moved down the street, the local pimps bowed their heads in acknowledgement, I noticed.
This is getting complicated…
Leaning against my shoulder and humming…
「To the office, Fifth Family Head?」
The largely built chauffeur with the scar in his face asked Kikuyo.
「No, to 『The Ruby』. All the executives will meet us there.」
Just like I remember, she turned her head slightly to the side while giving this order.
That sulky gesture was unexpectedly cute, and it only strengthened my Hysteria Mode.
「Nice car.」
I said as I pulled myself away from Kikuyo’s body, pretending to look around at the inside of the car.
In reality, the Century really is a luxury car. I noticed that when I got in.
「Want it?」
「…… I’ll pass. But I think I misjudged you, I thought you liked Mercedes?」
「I do have one, but only for fun. It would be a problem if a foreign car broke down at the wrong moment. Even the American Mafia prefer Japanese cars. But if you want it, Tohyama, you can have it– even the Benz.」
Kikuyo…Whenever I admire something she has, she always asks: 『Want it?』 without fail.
「–But Kikuyo, how did you find me?」
I said evasively as the nightlife of Shinobazu street rolled past the windows, smiling as I changed the subject.
「Fu fu! You shouldn’t underestimate the yakuza intelligence network. Some low-ranking members know Fujikibayashi and Asao. They were bragging about their fight, and so it eventually reached my ears.」
Kikuyo explained the trick behind how she found me, and the chauffeur rummaged in his pocket for a mobile and then turned to look at me in the rear-view mirror.
「Sir, what should we do with Leon? We’ve caught him, but… To get to the point, do you think a finger or…?」
「O-Oi! Let him go. Where I come… came from, those kind of fights happen every 5 minutes.」
「Yes, sir. Understood.」
These people are dangerous.
Knowing things before the police, and moving faster. Thinking about how I had saved Leon here, I shook my head…
「I knew about your father’s ‘job’, but it looks like you’ve inherited it.」
「My predecessor was killed. Internal dispute. Now I’m the boss.」
Kikuyo–
When I went to Kanagawa Middle School– an affiliate of Butei High– she had figured out Hysteria Mode, and at every possible turn, used me as her personal 『ally of justice』.
She had plans to join LEZZAD with her connexions to the criminal underworld, but in the middle of training she dropped out.
She said that she had to transfer so quickly for family reasons–in the end, it seems it really was something like that.
「Fu fu! I’m so happy. My hero will eat dinner with me tonight.」
Saying that, the look in Kikuyo’s narrowed eyes suggested a maturity beyond her actual age…
The inside of the car had been softly well-lit, but we now stopped in front of a restaurant with a flashy signboard.
***************************************************************************************
The 『Ruby』 was very selective and only served members and their guests.
Or so it would seem… the restaurant has a basement that gives off a mysterious vibe that reaches the upper floors, and everything is owned by Kikuyo.
Only authorised people can enter– it’s what you might call a yakuza building.
「…」
Like its name, the interior was richly decked with red colour and gold undertones– and, of course, you could only get in with a reservation.
The waitresses wore Chinese dresses with skirts so short that you could almost see their underwear, while the hostesses wore long multi-coloured strapless dresses and greeted the guests with a smile…
Without exception, there were all beauties.
What is this place, the Palace of the Dragon King?13
But the only water here was a goldfish tank with a dangerous notice that said:
『There is no poison in the food. But if you are mistrustful, you may put the food in the tank and see for yourself.』
As expected, it is that kind of place.
Walking inside, my eyebrow rose slightly…
「This kind of place doesn’t suit you? Want some sushi?」
Her long kimono fluttering like a goldfish’s fins, the princess of this palace asked as she walked like a model down a runway.
「No, the smell of old and new gunpowder relaxes me, but…I think there are a few too many girls.」
「Oi! All of you can leave.」
I only grumbled a few words, but Kikuyo ordered all of those beauties out at once.
Reaching the back of the room, we entered a large, expensively decorated private room–
Inside, there was a huge table that dominated the room, covered with more food than you could eat and expensive bottles of sake arranged neatly in rows.
Just like the offer of the car we had ridden in, this show of generosity is the yakuza way of showing honour and welcome. Refusing it would be like rejecting them.
Well, compared to the Benz this is a mere trifle…
Thinking that, I noticed everyone looking at me like I was a long-awaited guest– They all wore matching gold badges marking them all out as the executives of the Kagataka Family and they were all seated at the table.
Hey! This is scary. It’s about 3 times scarier than going to MASTERS at Butei High.
「…」
Sitting down, I looked around. Once I did so, everyone looked back at me.
Then, in unison, they all gave an 『Ah, yes.』 as a token of acceptance.
Don’t be so quick to accept me.
Is this because a yakuza can know a person by just looking at them?
In Butei terms this was we call 『the ablitiy to compare strength between yourself and others』.– in short, the ability to determine whether an opponent is stronger or weaker than you, quickly and accurately.
They would be also be doing the same. The yakuza feed upon the weak, if only they did not have that habit of currying favour with the strong…
The reason I am not arrogant of this fact is that, worst case scenario, they may decide to kill me. For real.
It is for that reason that Butei infiltration and investigations of the families are so difficult. Such things are usually left to a specialist.
「…See? I told you he was good, didn’t I?」
Sitting next to me, the fifth family head, Kikuyo, said smiling at the room.
「Yes. This guest has a fine look. He looks like someone who has crossed over the point of life and death several times.」
Kikuyo’s bodyguard and erstwhile chauffeur said the same thing as my grandfather.
「Ha! This boy looks more frightening than a yakuza.」
A handsome man in a pinstripe suit that looked like a club host said with a laugh as he folded his hands behind his head.
The way he jested lightly , would have attracted any girl and make her light-headed.
「Yes, he might have a face like a potato, but he is strong.」
Said the man with the shaved head that Kikuyo had introduced as an ex-wrestler. I could just make out a tattoo on his neck.
「So that is how it is. That there is such a child, proves the world is a large place.」
Said the tall man who seemed to be the brain of the family operation, and who looked like a first-class trade company businessman. A Tokyo Law School graduate.
They are all looking at me with interest– but it seems they understand.
They had learned from Leon’s mistake… They knew that if it came to it, I could defeat them all in under a minute.
Well, it would be better if things went on without a problem. If I were to try my strength again, the number of victims would only increase.
「Tohyama, something to drink?」
Kikuyo said as she grabbed a bottle of brandy from the table.
「I don’t drink sake. I’m underage.」
「Hmph.」
Taking out a pipe and placing it between her lips, Kikuyo held the red pipe in her mouth between her red painted lips–
Immediately, the executive who looked like a host sitting next to her lit it.
「… I don’t get many chances to use it. It’s a DuPont lighter.」
Giving Kikuyo a wry smile,
「You know, you shouldn’t smoke.」
And immediately, Kikuyo passed the pipe to the host sitting next to her– and picking up a cup of water on the table *Splash!*
Put out the cigarillo that the Tokyo Law Graduate was already smoking.
「Alright, he doesn’t like the smoke.」
Getting mad at someone for something you do yourself. This reminds me of Aria trying to shift the blame to someone else.
What had just happened made me very uncomfortable, but putting that aside–
「–That’s not all that I don’t like.」
I glanced around at the group, and then looked at Kikuyo.
Realising that I didn’t like the group of executives, Kikuyo said:
「All of you can leave.」
Perhaps because tonight was only meant as a formal introduction, the executives all rose from their seats.
But the fact they left without a complaint… surprised me.
******************************************************************
「… Tohyama, how do I look? Since middle-school… haven’t I become a beauty?」
When the two of us were alone, Kikuyo…
Up until now she had acted in a mature manner, but now she became quite shy.
「–I can’t deny the truth.」
I answered as she hid her face as the current me thought: 「I can’t get enough of this!」
And with an expressive look,
「My mom was an actress, you know. Canadian. They tell me that I look more and more like her.」
「It must be true. That’s why your hair is such a light colour, although I never heard anyone in middle-school mention it.」
「That’s because I never talked to any else about my parents.」
Kikuyo turned red and reached for a Lychee fruit.
I don’t… no…I think I’d better eat some of this feast.
For a normal person, eating with a yakuza would be a problem, but for Butei it’s a different case. It’s a well established rule of custom.
Besides, my Butei licence hasn’t expired yet…
My grandfather would beat me if I let good food go to waste, so I took a piece of shark fin in my chopsticks.
This is… wonderfully delicious! The chef must be very talented and have used the best ingredients.
There is no poison in it, but such wonderful food could well become a danger for the one eating it.
「So, as compensation for your trouble earlier, will this be enough?」
Kikuyo took out a suit case and opened it to reveal 30 million yen in notes packed inside…
「It’s fine, the food is enough.」
I refused, but I could certainly use one or two of those stacks.
A luxury car, fancy restaurant, and now money–
Giving such expensive gifts is like advertising for the yakuza.
They show off the number of expensive things they have to important people and companies to prove how well their business is doing and to serve as an open bribe, since they can’t put out flashy signs and billboards.
All of the executives were wearing Versace suits and diamond studded Rolexes.
It might have looked like an act, but it wasn’t to show off their poor taste, but rather to prove that they 『appreciated the finer things in life』.
All things considered, the message from Kikuyo’s group was clear– meant to convey that they were prosperous.
「The modern yakuza don’t like to stand out, now do they?」
Taking a bit of Peking Duck, I probed the matter further…
「We are old-fashioned.」
…Something in Kikuyo’s eyes told me she was hiding something.
Should I investigate further to use up some time? It doesn’t look like they’ll let me leave after eating just one dish.
「So what does your family do now?」
「Ufu-fu, well what do you think? Drugs, protection, debt collection… we do all kinds of illegal trade. We even have food stalls at festivals! 」
「Don’t be coy. I at least want to know where the money for this food I’m eating came from.」
My face became serious, and as Kikuyo filled my glass with Oolong tea…
「China.」
She said in a voice that did not seem to be lying.
…Now I see! The Chinese restaurant should have been a hint. So this has been the point this entire night.
「In the industry, the foreign trade has always been a co-operation between the old families and their supporter organisations, and the Kagataka family was originally one of these supporting organisations. So we never had access to the kind of big jobs that a larger organisation did. Besides that… ever since I took over as the head of the family, we have been ignored in the domestic trade as well.」
So… now I see.
Unlike in the movies, the real underworld is controlled by men.
Having met the executives, I understood that there was no one among them capable of leading the family business, so Kikuyo had inherited the job– and she was at a disadvantage.
「Do you know? Japanese goods are popular in foreign markets, and not just cars and anime. The yakuza too. No matter the country, the mafia welcome us.」
I did know that.
Internationally, in the criminal underworld, deep pockets translates to power. The yakuza still hold that power because they are rich in Japanese yen.
「So, in order to turn things around in one go, we have allied ourselves with one of the big Chinese organisations. Now, we draw our funds from the Macao Casino region where we have invested. So, of course, it’s entirely legal. You can relax and enjoy the food.」
Looking like a global investing businesswoman, Kikuyo shot me a seductive sidelong glance.
「Who have you partnered with? If it’s the Chinese Mafia, I know a few names.」
「It’s an armed group with a lot of strength. I think they will suit you. We should meet with them. The Chinese executives just happen to be in Japan right now. It seems they are in the middle of clearing up some kind of international dispute, and I’m sure they would like to meet with a superman like you.」
Kikuyo said, omitting the name of the organisation.
This anonymity must be a sticking point with the Chinese. So they have to be a suitably large organisation.
Knock on wood, I’ll have to tread carefully.14
「I think I have to pass. I don’t speak Chinese, and I’m not a superman.」
「You can’t fool me, I know you. Our line of work requires fighting spirit. We need strong people.」
「… So you want me to join your family?」
「That’s right! Let’s share a cup of sake, then we’ll be step-brother and sister15.」
She answered, completely oblivious to the situation… and I could only smile bitterly.
「I already have a little sister.」
「You do? Is she a Butei too?」
「Yes. But I didn’t know about her until recently.」
「If that’s the case, then she can join too. The yakuza are always looking for qualified people, even defected Butei. Ex-military, police, and the like, they all have a place with the yakuza. The executive board is unanimous in this decision.」
「T-the board…」
「Tohyama, you could become the most famous yakuza in Japan…no, the world. Your name would go down in history, like Al Capone. And with me… as your… first wife… j-just kidding about that part!」
Although she says that she is kidding, I can tell from the look in her eye that she isn’t–
「– I don’t want to be a yakuza.」
I said that after eating her food, but I had to be perfectly clear.
I recalled the special pains I have taken to desperately become a normal person. Becoming a famous criminal, is not something I can do.
「S…so that’s how it is? I’m sorry. Master Kou will be so disappointed…」
Saying that…. Kikuyo made a small mistake let a name slip out.
–Kou.
That must be the name of one of the Chinese executives.
Kikuyo seems to have caught her own mistake…
And since I had refused the sake, in the end, our conversation had stalled.
「Well then, I think we’ll leave it for tonight…」
She said, and I anticipated words that would allow me to excuse myself–
But she changed the topic which until now had been business talk that had seemed a bit mature for her, and Kikuyo said:
「–Remember the old days?」
As she began to reminisce.
Still in Hysteria Mode, it would make me feel bad to leave abruptly. Of course, Kikuyo knows that all too well, so that’s why she changed the subject.
Aware of that, she poured out some jasmine tea.
「Yes…I remember.」
「In middle school, when I learned about your condition… I made you do many, many things. I’m sorry. But is it possible… to leave all that in the past?」
I heard Kikuyo whisper in a low, sorrowful voice.
Since complaining about such things is not the manly thing to do:
「It really wasn’t that serious– I can’t hold a lady’s mistakes against her.」
It was all so firmly in the past, that I really let it go.
How many times had I been bullied by girls? If I were to write down every little thing that Aria and Riko did to me, I’d be drowning in a sea a notebooks.
Besides, holding on to grudges is a waste of your life. You should just forget about it.
Kikuyo had apologised.
「Oh…!」
Responding to my Hysteria Mode induced words, her face became a mix of happiness and embarrassment… unable to calm herself, Kikuyo rearranged her legs underneath her short kimono.
…Ugh…
This is bad. My Hysteria Mode just got stronger all at once. Resituating herself, Kikuyo exposed her legs so that her upper legs up to the thigh were exposed through the slit down the front…
What I could see had caught my attention. I remembered that Tamamo had said that underwear was not worn with kimonos–
「…Back then, I was bullied too.」
As Kikuyo said that, I thought back to those memories and tried to find refuge in them. Calming my mind.
Although Kikuyo has always had a twisted view of the world, for some strange reason she was always our middle-school’s most popular girl… she was very popular with the boys and very disliked by the girls in the school.
Kanagawa was a Butei High affiliate, and needless to say, it was meant to help train and shape future Butei.
For Kikuyo, her connections to the underworld were a great asset, but the yakuza are fundamentally seen as the natural enemy of Butei.
And Kikuyo’s parents were yakuza.
That was enough to find fault with– and the girls bullied Kikuyo for it.
…And for that, there was no reason not to sympathise with her. Children can’t choose their parents.
「I remember. The time that the bullies cut my bathing suit, and you got even with them.」
「I remember too.」
That was where it all started.
Some of the mean girls played a trick on Kikuyo by messing with her bathing suit. They had secretly cut up Kikuyo’s bathing suit and stitched it back together with water-soluble thread so it would come apart after Kikuyo got into the water.
The swimming classes were separated by gender, but ending up half-naked and unable to go home, Kikuyo ran back and hid herself in the shower room and cried until nightfall.
Then, by chance, I was the one assigned to clean-up duty, and I found her…
Yes, and what happened next, I would rather not recall.
Returning with a spare uniform, Kikuyo changed, and I stayed with her, gently soothing and comforting her until she stopped crying– I understood her feelings and using the power of Hysteria Mode on those girls…
Of course, I didn’t hit them, but I got them to agree to do what I wanted.
They all lined up in a row and apologised to Kikuyo, but all of them, Kikuyo included, were Butei in the making. They all began their own investigation of me, and soon after the rebellion occurred…
Not long after, I became the useful 『ally of justice』
「But you might not remember this. Even when you weren’t like you are now, you defended me.」
Huh…? Suddenly turning red…
Kikuyo said something surprising.
Could that be true…?
Seeing my confused expression, she continued.
「That time when someone stole the money from the classroom lock-box. Everyone acted as if I had stolen it. Everyone… except you.」
A~ah! My family has a saying: 『Don’t forget what has been done for you, forget what you have done for others』 so I had intentionally forgotten it.
「Ah, yes. now I remember.」
I’m sure that I was the normal me at that time.
Despite the fact that they were Butei-in-training, they were all too ready to heartlessly jump to a conclusion so I shouted the protest: 「No one has any proof, now do they!」
So they let Kikuyo go, and the real culprit was found out later.
Come to think of it… Kikuyo didn’t use my Hysteria Mode against me after that.
「After that, well… I… to you…」
「?」
Kikuyo began to stammer and look away, then looked up to me from where she was sitting. After a brief silence–
「…tried to give you a lo- love le- love letter… I wrote it many times, but… every time, I tore it up. I made you do all of these things, and my guilt wouldn’t let me give it to you.」
This…
This had become a dangerous topic. One with a completely different danger than the previous one.
「Tohyama. If anyone asks if you have eaten my family’s food today– I will deny it.」
Kikuyo laid her hand on my arm, while her face showed the she had come to her second point.
「In return, y… you will be my boyfriend.」
「Wh-what?」
「You’ve left Butei High, right? If it was some kind of investigation, you wouldn’t be going to that cram school without a gun. We’re a bunch of drop-outs, so let’s go out together!」
Kikuyo began pulling on the hand that was still on my arm.
I have to find some way to escape using Hysteria Mode, but Kikuyo knows very well how it works. Riko can deftly manipulate me the same way, so I have to be careful.
「Well no, you see I…」
Trying to find words to reject her that won’t hurt her, Kikuyo spoke up.
「You don’t get it, do you? I’m threatening you, Tohyama!」
I knew it…
Kikuyo, you really are a bad person.
「If I spread your secret, you won’t be able to go to a normal school, will you?」
Without using her fists, she struck me where it hurt the most, and she struck without hesitation.
She had probably been planning this all along.
「…」
Keeping quiet, Kikuyo’s smile said 『I win』.
「I would have preferred not to have to have had to use this threat, but, you see, our statuses are quite different.」
「If that’s what you think, then raise your own status and ask again.」
「That’s… just like you…」
*Squeeze!*
Kikuyo hugged me with all her strength.
Clinging to me, I felt my Hysteria Mode intensify.
Ever since middle-school, Kikuyo has been attractive. Because of her home-life, she has always seemed more mature. Now she has this sex appeal unlike any other high school girl.
This is not something I could have with Aria who looks like an elementary student. While pondering about how increasingly flustered my Hysteria Mode was making me…
「I wanted to see you again… I want to see you again! My very own, ally of justice. So when I saw you from the car, I knew it was a miracle that I had met you again…!」
My heart pounding, Kikuyo said this with moistened eyes.
If this were the normal me, I would shake off her arm and dash through the nearest window to escape, but…
In Hysteria Mode, I can’t. Because it would hurt a girl.
This is bad…!
Because the room had no bed or sofa, I had completely lowered my guard.
And because my opponent was a yakuza, I was on the lookout for armed dangers and so left a gap in my awareness. I neglected to prepare myself for that kind of danger. And she had exploited it.
Kikuyo must have taken great care in planning this out. This is just as elaborate as one of Riko’s plots.
「In the car, I managed to stay calm, but– all the while my heart was throbbing. Now… I can’t think about anything except you, Tohyama…」
I can’t hurt her– What can I say?
There is something. There is this 『Countermeasure』 that my older brother, when he called himself Kana, taught to me.
Even though things have gone this far, it’s still a 50-50 bet.
If I lose, I will have to join her family. Right in this chair.
「Now then… Kikuyo, can I ask you a question?」
Now I have no choice but to cross that bridge. Come on… Kikuyo!
「What is it?」
「After we’re going out… What do you want me to do to you, Kikuyo?」
I said with a tender smile, as I gazed into her slightly glazed eyes.
「Eh? T-That… no… something like… I can’t say it.」
Alright…!
Blushing red for all she was worth, she tried to hide it, but the words stuck in her throat.
「What is it? Won’t you tell me, Kikuyo? Come now… Kikuyo.」
It’s the same technique I used on Aria as a distraction while we were on the jet-ski,『Woodpecker』.
It’s how to deal with a question that is difficult to answer–
If asked a question that you can’t answer, in order to prevail, you should reply with another question that the other party cannot readily answer.
This purposeful cycle takes advantage of increased natural female shyness. This is a technique that keeps you from having to answer.
In order to increase the odds of success, I used this during the train-jacking on Shirayuki and added 『Charming Call』.
In short, it’s a kind of hypnosis.
「…T-Tohyama thinks about something like that… I could, but…」
She had fallen right into my trap and was squirming helplessly–
Gently, like plucking a flower, I took Kikuyo’s hands, and… separated us from each other.
We had crossed it, somehow. Although it was a dangerous bridge.
And Kikuyo…
*squeeze!*
…sat in her chair, pulled her legs in close, bowed her head, and made herself into a ball.
Her blush reached down to her neck. You are definitely imagining all sorts of things right now.
For that, I am sorry.
The fever successfully drawn out, I began to stroke and caress her head…
「Well then, I must be going.」
With that declaration of victory, I stood up from my chair.
Kikuyo was still sitting in that gym class pose, hugging her knees. I doesn’t look like she is going to follow me.
Were my caresses so gentle that she fell asleep?
「–Can I ask you something, Tohyama?」
She had not fallen asleep.
「What’s that?」
I said as I exited the luxuriously furnished room.
「You had this dead fish-face when you were going into the cram school, but during the yakuza meeting you were lively.」
「…」
That was… I can’t deny it.
I am perfectly comfortable in the underground world of crime.
There is much more to dazzle the eye there than in a dull school.
–While turning her face, Kikuyo said:
「I won’t say anything about that school, but an ex-Butei will never be able to integrate into normal society except on the lowest level. After leaving that school, it’s better to become a yakuza. If you have any conditions, we can discuss what it would take to bring you on board…」
She still hasn’t given on getting me to join her family.
「I’m sorry. Negotiate is the very thing I can’t do. I would betray the yakuza.」
「That’s just what you’ve done! Betrayed Butei High in order to go down into normal society.」
…She hit me where it really hurts.
That not something I can deny. I–
–can only be silent and retreat.
As I opened the large wooden door with the exquisitely carved Phoenix on it…
「You know it, right? I’m not very patient.」
Kikuyo’s voice said.
Turning slightly with her head laid down… Her arms still clasping her knees, from the gap between her bangs she glared at me.
Some of the boys liked it because 『it gave them the chills』 , it was the sharp look when Kikuyo was resentful.
「…I know.」
「So you know I’m not good at losing.」
「I know that too.」
「Really, that is all there is to it. But here’s something you don’t know.」
「Ah?」
「I just realised it myself.」
With a *Whoosh!* Kikuyo threw something sharp and pointed–
Drawing a card from inside her sleeve, she threw it like a shuriken.
With a solid *Thunk*, it stuck into the door right before my eyes.
Since I knew she didn’t intend to hit me, I didn’t move to avoid it, but it cut one or two strands of my hair in its path.
「…?」
Looking at it, it was a platinum credit card. With the corners’ edges sharpened like knives..
「–The PIN is 1111. Compensation for your trouble today, so use it as much as you want.」
「I told you I didn’t want it. Don’t you know? I don’t like pushy girls very much.」
「Well, then I guess… I won’t be pushy. Tohyama… have a good night.」
Grasping her knees and hiding her face, Kikuyo waved goodbye.
And now, to finish my escape… but…
It was all due to the power of Hysteria Mode.
I tried hard to become a normal person, and despite the fact that I had achieved it to some extent–Hysteria Mode will play some role in my life.
I escaped Butei High, I escaped Kikuyo…
I can’t escape myself. I am who I am.
I can’t run forever.
No, I absolutely cannot run away. Because I am me.
If I could, what would I do? I…
I…
(END OF CHAPTER)
*****************************************************
1. The kanji for ‘rice’ can be seen as a composite of all the kanji for the number 88 八+十+八 = 米 ((8×10)+ 8 = 88). Basically, there is a lot of work that goes into it, and it should be appreciated, not greedily eaten.
2. Famous swordsman and wandering samurai reputed in tales to have sat down and intimidated his enemies by idly catching a flies with chopsticks.
3. The Kanji for the name Kinzou are the ones for ‘Gold’ and ‘Three’
4. Traditional Japanese short formal coat. Kinji’s family wear traditional Japanese clothing at home.
5. ‘Gap-school’ is a term I made up. There are special school in Japan to help students who take a year off before starting university to improve test scores and get into better schools
6. Doraemon reference to the oversized bully character in the animated series.
7. Seems to be a fictional island, but in Russian, ‘blesk’ means ‘bright’ or ‘dazzling’.
8. A game where children sit on the ground with the backs facing each other and try to stand by pushing their backs together.
9. The Japanese onomatopoeia for mouse squeaks is identical to the one for kissing sounds.
10. ‘Bousouzoku’ in the original–Organised groups of young people under 20 that ride heavily modified motorbikes and drive recklessly or disrupt traffic for thrills. Asao and Fujikibayashi are wannabe Bousouzoku.
11. As previously stated, Ukemi is martial arts training to fall safely and minimise damage.
12. A famous Dior perfume apparently.
13. Japanese Mythological Palace located at the bottom of the sea.
14. Actually Kinji says ‘Kuwabara Kuwabara’. It’s a folk charm to ward of misfortune.
15. Seems to be a ritual connected to joining the yakuza. The prospetive member drinks from the same cup of sake as the one admitting them to the group.
Chapter 4: Kikuyo Kagataka
Grandfather, Grandmother, me, G-3, Kaname, and lastly the free-loader Reki–
When we all eat dinner together, it’s pretty lively. Although the faces have changed a lot, it’s like the days when my parents and older brother filled out the number.
The men sat cross-legged and the women sat in seiza around the low table, in the tatami floored living room. Sitting while holding her knees like in gym class was Reki’s default, but Grandmother had taught her to sit in seiza.
「Now Kaname! You must learn to eat fish more neatly, it’s an insult to the fisherman! Don’t spill your rice! There are 88 gods in each grain!1」
Grandfather was giving a lecture on Japanese manners, but he was having fun doing it. He likes it when things are lively.
Almost every recipe in my Grandmother’s repertoire is ethnic Japanese. Tonight it’s Pacific saury grilled with salt, root vegetable broth, followed by cooked rice, and miso soup with clam.
What was on the table was extremely common fare, the typical scene of a Japanese dinner, but…
「So Aniki, you’ve stopped being a Butei!? Now you can kill in self-defence! That’s great!」
Saying that, G-3 loudly chomped down on his clams. While still awkward with her chopsticks, Kaname noisily munched her fish. These two American born Genions.
By the way G-3, this irresponsible habit of changing your hairstyle everyday is something you should stop. You’ll go bald.
Your daily choice of clothes is also strange, are you Lady Gaga or something?
Having had to forsake her unbalanced diet of Calorie Mate bars ever since coming to my house, seated beside me was Reki who was able to intimidate even S-Rank Butei — A sniper able to hit a pocket-size book at a range of 2 kilometres.
Oh, and outside, taking care of the food scraps and recently growing a little plump, was Haimaki, former underling of Vlad, the Count Dracula.
All of those here some kind of unique prodigies. Every one.
「Seconds.」
Completely ignoring G-3’s recent remark, I held out my now empty rice bowl. Since it would be wrong to make my Grandmother do all of the work, my family has this rule that the person sitting nearest to the container of rice is in charge of serving it.
So while G-3 grumbled 『Am I your mother?』, he served the rice.
And over by my grandfather…
*Bzzzz*
Attracted by the smell of fish, one of the last flies of the season flew in.
Well, we are on the first floor, so there’s no helping it.–
As I was thinking that.–
*Catch*
A-amazing! My grandfather caught the fly.
With his chopsticks.
Just like Miyamoto Musashi!2
My grandfather is matching the speed of his chopsticks to the flying fly and the holding them lightly between the chopsticks. That is how he is catching flies on the fly.
「Even an insect has a soul.」
Saying that, my grandfather, having not killed the fly, released it outside… then went to wash his chopsticks in the kitchen… G-3 and Kaname were astonished.
The only one not surprised was Reki, munching her own food–
「Kinzou, would you like more grated daikon?」
My grandmother asked smiling with drooping eyelids.
Huh…? Kinzou…? Who’s that?
「…Yeah.」
G-3 answered, turning a little red.
With a look of 「?」 on my face, Kaname said:
「Since Grandmother kept calling him Chi-Sando and other things by mistake, she gave him a Japanese name, okay?」
While giving that explanation, Kaname grinned at G-3.
Kinzou, G-3: Golden Cross the Third.
Isn’t that just a literal translation?3
But it seems that the name doesn’t suit the person himself, so knowing that, he glared at me and Reki.
「Aniki, you too Reki. Don’t you call me that. G-3 is fine.」
「Got it, Kinzou.」
「Understood, Kinzou-san」
「Kinzou!」
That last bit was Kaname.
「You guys…!」
Saying that, G-3 was about to snap, but…
He saw Grandfather had returned to the living room, and he quieted down.
Does this guy have respect for the elderly, or something?
*****************************************************************************************
After dinner, in order to brush up on conversation topics I could talk about with my classmates, I watched all kinds of TV shows and dramas. But watching TV with a set purpose became boring rather quickly, so I stopped partway through.
If it were Riko, she could probably do it…
Thinking that, when I thought that I had to go to school tomorrow, it made me depressed.
Ever since I was invited to her house, my lifeline Moe for some reason would say: 『I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Just forget about that letter.』 and look like she was about to cry. And every time I try to get closer to her, Reki would pelt me with acorns.
Why do I even go to that school? I don’t understand any of the lessons, so there’s no point.
I’ve already skipped school and shut myself up in my room, but… Lately, I haven’t been sleeping well.
Maybe my nerves are overactive because of the lack of daily fights, leading to some kind of insomnia.
I wonder if it’s some kind of–breakdown?
I feel like my mind, while relaxed, is slowly rotting away.
Why…? Even with this peace… With this daily peace, I shouldn’t have anything to complain about…
In the middle of this peace, my mind has reached a critical point.
I wonder if all those people who quit being a Butei have had the same thoughts?
Thinking about that, Headmaster Midorimatsu said something like that, didn’t he?
『Students from Butei High are poor in their studies, lacking in social education, and have high drop-out rates.』
So it seems like I all but, fit that typical case.
No! No! No! Stop it Kinji!
Standing up, I put on my haori4 and went out onto the veranda to clear my head in the night air.
I need to hang in there. To become a normal person like Moe. What do I have to do?
Speaking of her… Moe…
I thought about her.
She said she was attending a cram school. There should be classes for under-achieving students like me.
I’m a little unsure about my future finances, but if I sell off all my equipment from my time at Butei High, that should be enough. It should even be enough to pay for a major gap-school.5
If studying became fun, maybe school would become a little more enjoyable as well. School is a place to learn, after all.
Pondering that new idea–
「…?」
In a corner of my family’s quite large garden, a light shone… What is G-3 doing? He is steadily digging up the ground with a US Army issue shovel.
Perhaps because he had been at it for a while and become hot, he wasn’t wearing anything except a mountain camouflage shirt on his brawny torso, even though he is usually flashy with his clothes.
Putting on a pair of slip-on shoes, I approached the suspiciously acting G-3 and called to him.
「Oi! Kinzou, you can’t just go digging holes in people’s gardens.」
「I’ll kill you! Rather, if it’s your family’s garden, it’s my family’s garden too!」
「Who are you, Giant?6」
Examining the materials G-3 had stacked there–
He had all of the supplies to construct a greenhouse. And tomato seeds…?
「What are you doing?」
「Are you so thick that you can’t tell by looking, Aniki? After preparing and improving the soil, I’m going to raise vegetables. I’ve mobilised all of my subordinates and accelerated the growth cycle by selective breeding, but it’s a local product. A product of Kumamoto, a 『Gondou Farms Salted Tomato』. See for yourself.」
Saying that, he handed me something… it was a small tomato.
It was a beautiful specimen and nibbling it, even though it had 『salt』 in the name, it was sweet. It was good.
「We only just discovered this. This species of tomato synthesises natural fructose and Lycopene organic compounds that, undergoing an unexpected side-reaction, produce another chemical compound– It neutralises my 『Life Limiter』. So I want to plant them in fields all over the world, so that I can eat them for the rest of my life.」
Speaking of that… G-3’s creators at Los Alamos had introduced a congenital defect into his body in order to prevent rebellion. That inhuman method required G-3 to ingest some kind of secret compound at regular intervals or it would adversely affect his vital functions. He has identified that chemical.
That’s wonderful, isn’t it?
「And so you became a farmer, huh? You have it rough too.」
「If you are going to pity me, at least give me a hand. Well… water, salt, vitamins, are all things that humans need to keep living, humans need a lot of things. In my case, I only need one more. 」
Working briskly, G-3 finished constructing the greenhouse and began skillfully planting the seeds… I don’t need to say it… but it was as to be expected of a Genion.
「From the results of selective breeding, a strain of potato can also be cultivated. Gramps will be taking care of that.」
Saying that, he once again confirmed his attachment to Grandfather.
「By the way, you are always so calm in front of Grandfather. I thought you were the egocentric type.」
Saying that while eating a tomato, I ventured a probe.
「He is a living legend. It’s my way of showing proper respect to a 『Die hard』」
「『Die Hard』? The film?」
「Aniki, please… you should learn more English. 『Die hard』, it means someone who is hard to kill. It will be on a test.」
「I’m sure it won’t.」
「Do you at least know that Japan was at war with the US a long time ago?」
「Of course I know that!」
「『Die hard』 was a special designation used by the US Army after World War II to classify those 『Un-killable Soldiers』 of former enemy nations that would require special measures to deal with in case war broke out again– To be more precise, those soldiers whom it would cost an enormous amount of personnel and expenses to kill. The US have not been negligent in life-long surveillance of these people. 3 of them are living in Japan, 2 in Germany, 2 in Russia, and 1 in Iraq. So Aniki… even though you are his grandchild, you seriously don’t know the heroic exploits of Magane Tohyama?」
Asking that, G-3 looked disappointed.
「Grandfather never liked talking about the war.」
「You don’t show him enough respect. I’ll tell you.」
Finishing the first phase of his farm-work, G-3…
Started telling my Grandfather’s story.
Grandfather was an ensign in the old Imperial Japanese Navy. A Zero fighter pilot.
While near the Aleutian Archipelago in the North Pacific, he encountered heave anti-aircraft fire from US forces and was unable to return to his ship, so he crashed in the frozen waters…
After that, he somehow managed to swim and cross back into what once was Japanese territory–a small, snow-covered island, Blesk Island7— Unluckily, two days later, US forces landed 300 troops on the island, but he was able–single-handedly–to hold them back.
Thanks to his efforts, 100 military and civilian personnel on the island were able to be evacuated safely. But because of the number of serious wounds he suffered in that battle, it was not until after the war that he was able to stand on his own feet once more.
『Because of injuries sustained in the crash, he was hospitalised until the end of the war』 『He had lost sight of his comrades in a fog』…
Those were the vague things that I had heard from him, and how I wished those stories were actually true…!
What are you doing, Grandfather…! Of course something like that would have an effect on the US!
The one in my family that is the most abnormal is Grandfather.
And now, he is in his room, lazing around on his bed and farting while reading horse racing magazines.
******************************************************
I’ll never be free from my extraordinarily gifted family if I don’t become a responsible adult.
First of all, I have to be able to keep up in school. Following my thoughts from the other day, I went to check out a gap-school on Meiji Dori Street called 『Kawai Cram School』.
It’s impressive that a cram school takes up the entire 9-storey building! This is an unknown world for me.
「I mean, why did you come with me!」
「I am just walking the same way as you.」
Being as uncommunicative as ever, Reki stayed by my side and we entered the top floor conference room together to get the necessary information, but… although I can’t say anything about other people, it was very surreal. To see a genius sniper at a cram school.
Now then, which courses should I take…?
I looked through the pamphlet they had given me, and as we went back to get on the elevator…
「?」
W-what’s this?
It seems that students on this floor had finished their classes, and they got into the elevator with us.
As they crowded in, I looked up from the pamphlet and saw a girl.
And another girl.
They were all girls.
They were also wearing East Ikebukuro High School uniforms, and what more, they were all in the same year as us!
What is with these people! Why are they all trying to get onto the same elevator with Reki and me?
「We are the 『Transfer Student Couple’s Support Club』!」
「Now then, we’re getting tired of watching the two of you! When are the two of you going to get closer?」
「Come on! Get closer already!」
As the girls said those things us, they created a very strange situation….
As for this 『Support Club』–this group has the same poor-sounding naming sense as Riko.
「H-hey! Reki and I–」
I started to explain, but…
「No way! I knew he calls her by her first name~!」
「And Yada-san calls Tohyama-kun, 『Kinji-san』, doesn’t she~!」
By talking, I only managed to excite them even more.
W-what is this…?
In a normal school, is it wrong for guys and girls to call each other by their first names? The group only became more disorganised and pushy, and all the girls started shoving.
First they all crowed around Reki, and then started pushing us together.
Because we were in a small elevator, they was nowhere to run… I was unable to resist the girls… and now facing each other, Reki and I were forced up against each other.
「Now! Tohyama-kun and Yada-san, show a little courage! 」
Saying that, the girls grabbed my right and left arms– making it look like I was hugging Reki.
W-what do you want me to do…!
Classes were over and the floor was empty, and they had someone keeping the elevator open by repeatedly pressing the 『Open Door』 button.
These girls, they saw us coming into the cram school and worked out this plan.
「…Ugh…」
Like a game of Oshikura Manju8, they kept pushing on R-Reki’s back–but pulled on my arms so that it looked like I was holding her in a tight embrace.
「…」
Then, they took the expressionless Reki’s hands and placed them around my back.
Now it really looks like we are embracing each other! Me and Yada-san.
But Reki’s chest, more than Aria’s but less than Watson’s, in terms of safety… that is… R-Reki… h-have they gotten bigger!?
As I noticed this…
*Ka-thump*
It happened. The throb of Hysteria Mode. It even happened under these strange conditions…!
「Chuu!」
「Chu~u!」
「Chuu!!!」
「Chuu! Chuu!」
「Chuu!」
What are you… a swarm of mice…!?9
Reki and I had been surrounded by girl mice.
If I don’t do something about these pushy pack of squeakers, we won’t be able to go home.
Also– If they keep pushing Reki’s chest up against me, things will get dangerous. For Reki and for them.
If I go into Hysteria Mode, I will probably start moving supersonically. Hurting everyone.
「R-Reki, look up and pull your chest in…!」
Thinking that I was 『getting ready to kiss her』, the girls squealed.
But that was not what I had in mind. It was a stop-gap body re-positioning measure meant to relax the crushing pressure that had us glued chest to chest.
That was my formulated plan, but for some reason when I communicated it Reki…
She did not look up at me.
She buried her head against my chest and remained there fixedly.
「What are you doing, Reki? Do what I said!」
The girl mice got excited all over when I instructed Reki again–
Reki turned her head slightly to the side…
…peeking out.
Looking at me with upturned eyes.
Apparently she is under the impression I am going to kiss her in front of all these people, and her face…
…is embarrassed.
I’ve also noticed a slight change in Reki’s expression.
I’ve noticed faint hints of emotion have been sprouting inside of Reki ever since the school trip… this is embarrassment.
Reki, embarrassed is…
C-cute.
Combined with her usual lack of expression, i-it’s destructive power…
*Ka-thump*
*Sigh*…
I–made a wry smile.
Reki, Reki. Really… she is a cute girl too, isn’t she?
But I already knew that, didn’t I? You really are sweet. I knew it from the time we met.
Not recognising a girl’s secret love is a sin. A sin against the entire world.
As a reward for triggering my Hysteria mode by showing me that embarrassed face–
Reki, I want to kiss you passionately hundreds of times until you lose all feeling, but…
「…I understand all of you girls’ feelings.」
I said, sensing the flow of energy throughout the group of girls that surrounded us–
Raising my index fingers and excusing myself, I stroked the girls’ sleeves using only my fingertips.
Their bodies tensed, and they all stood straighter as if they had snapped to attention.
「W-what?」
「?」
「W-what’s this…」
「Huh…?」
The girls started looking around at each other…
With Hysteria Mode, it is possible to lead some to move as you wish and maintain total control just like in Aikido.
It is possible to make them assume almost any position. Using their own power.
「The feelings of all women alike should be respected. Who here–shares Reki’s feelings? If there anyone like that, would you please raise your hand?」
Gathering Reki in my right arm, I shot a sharp look at each of the girls as I gave a smile–
*Poof* *Poof* *P-P-Poof* *Po~of*
They all turned bright red. Standing stiff in shock with their mouths hanging open.
Hmph… It seems that these little mischievous mice have calmed down.
One girl had started to raise her hand, but I turned and stopped her with a kind smile.
You’re Ichi-san, if I’m not mistaken. You shouldn’t sell yourself so cheaply.
Then…
Drawing Reki’s head closer with my right hand, I brought my lips close to her ear.
Because my brain in Hysteria Mode has altogether too much redundant memory and perceptivity…
I realised that these girls were not the only ones following us.
「–There is an enemy not far off, and you cannot fight a close-quarters battle. We will retreat separately and go home.」
I said.
「……」
Having come to the same conclusion that I did, Reki moved her hands nervously, grabbing my blazer.
「… Do you think your lord is so weak? Or, Reki, are you the kind to deny me the pleasure of the night? Ah, if that is it, I am somewhat anxious for our future together.」
Closing my eyes, I whispered these words closely into Reki’s ear.
「……」
At the words 『our future together』, Reki gave a small response–showing that she held a feeling of expectation.
*Whish* *Whish*
She shook her head from side to side. Alright, she seems to have given permission.
「Rest, Reki. I am glad you came with me.」
Releasing her from my arm, I exited the elevator alone.
As the door closed, the one in charge of keeping the door open, lifted her hand slightly from the button–
As the door closed, I winked them a goodbye.
Judging from the sound, It seems that several of the girls fainted inside the elevator. Some of them even had nosebleeds.
It seems that my gaze was much too stimulating for those innocent girls.
Then–the first half of the Ulus proverb that Reki had shared popped into my head–
『A wolf cannot become a dog.』
Echoing in my mind. Like a bad omen.
****************************************************************
Putting plenty of space behind me, I took the stairs to the first floor–
Going out the front door of the building onto the night scene of Meiji Street, I began walking along the sidewalk.
And beside the guard railing–
「Tohyama–! Cough up the dough–!」
「Ya better not have forgotten!」
Sure enough, it was Fujkibayashi and Asao riding that modded motorbike and waiting to ambush me.
Fujikibayashi wore cheap brass knuckles on his fingers, and Asao carried a metal bat.
In the surrounding area, there were many students going home after cram school. The troublesome thing is that there are East Ikebukuro High students among them.
There are too many spectators, but… whatever, they make no difference.
Although I’m in Hysteria Mode this time, what I need to do is the same.
The scene is 『The two strong delinquents abusing me with violence』 Act No. 2.
I need to buy a little time so Reki won’t be dragged into this.
「This is dangerous! It looks like there is going to be a fight.」
The girls said as they began clearing the area…
「Like to butt in on other people’s business, do ya!?.」
Fujikibayashi said as he grabbed me by the shoulders.
While I pretended to let him show off his strength… I took a knee from Asao and doubled over.
Because his angle was off, it felt like he had only brushed by me, but I made it look like it hurt.
After that, my mischievous side came out–
Carefully guided their attacks, I made Asao hit Fujikibayashi and Fujikibayashi hit Asao.
Of course, they attacked without using their weapons.
Teary-eyed from the friendly fire, the two of them couldn’t go more than 3 minutes without losing their breath…
That’s… a little dangerous.
Something by the side of the road had caught my attention.
An illegally blacked-out Toyota Century with even the passenger and driver’s side windows tinted a smoky colour so that you couldn’t see inside.
That kind of car… I know who it is.
A yakuza car.
From the beginning, the car had been parked on the side of the road a a little ways away watching this charade, and I noticed… they were moving closer.
…Stopping near us, the rear window of the Century opened slightly.
「That’s enough, you two.」
Not even having imagined that a yakuza would come up behind them, Fujikibayashi and Asao– turned white as a sheet.
「That gentleman is different.」
It seems that female voice was talking about me… and I paled slightly myself.
It was only because I was in Hysteria Mode that I could hear what was said.
It was mature and slightly husky… That voice was… dangerous… Very dangerous. But a voice, different from the first said:
「Lemme take care of it!」
The passenger window rolled down, an arm stuck out, and a well-built man emerged.
He wore leather rock star trousers. Close cropped gold hair. And earrings in his ears.
Even though it was winter, he wore a black tank top, probably to show off the tattoos that covered his arms.
I’ve seen this man before… in a magazine article.
The International Boxing Federation’s former Pan-Pacific light-heavyweight champion, Leon Izawa.
Half South American Columbian–dark-skinned and muscled– he is decidedly un-Japanese in appearance.
I heard that he was once the leader of a biker-gang10 in Kanto, but after leaving boxing he became a yakuza henchman.
Things had very obviously become dangerous…
The cram-school students that had lined up and surrounded us to watch the fight began whispered nervously.
「–Don’t worry. It seems that they are after me.」
I said to the thoroughly frightened Fujikibayashi and Asao so that wouldn’t panic, as I turned around with a beaming smile…
「Oi! What are you lookin’ at!.」
Leon cracked his knuckles as he approached, grabbed me by the neck, and held me up to his face.
Then he squinted his intimidatingly, and peered at my face–
「Ah~! The brat is strong.」
If you know that, then stop chattering. If I were to lift my arm just a little bit right now, you would bite your tongue and be in very bad spot.
But… That ability to accurately see through and gauge his opponent’s fighting strength isn’t fake.
He is halfway between a professional and amateur– he’s a semi-professional.
「I think you had better stop.」
I warned him, but–
「Don’t worry ’bout me, I’m strong too!」
*Wham!*
Leon threw a heavy body blow.
Since we were so close, it’s power was only about half, but this is what a real punch should be like.
He let go of my neck… it was useless to pretend to stagger, so I reacted normally and put some room between us.
If he were on Fujikibayashi and Asao’s level, I could have fooled him…
But I can’t fool this guy. It looks like I can’t help it.
So that the rubbernecking students aren’t caught up in this, I can’t just run away.
…Dammit! And I had tried so hard to become a normal person…
Inside, my simmering anger boiled over.
In front of everyone… you are making me show my true colours. But now I’m desperate.
I’ll think about the excuse later. A hidden camera show, or something.
Gathering my resolve, I calmed myself, as if I were becoming a different person.
「Hey you!」
Yelled Leon, skillfully transferring his weight and closing the gap between us.
*Pa!*
Sending out a jab, but it was no good. He was a boxer.
Things like kicks, grappling, submissions, throws, and how to use things around you and the ground in fight are things you don’t know.
If you are going to fight hand-to-hand, these are things you should know, like how to head-butt and bite. You are ignorant of the body’s vital points.
After all, your style is a sport. So, I’m sorry, but I don’t plan on standing around and jabbing at each other.
*Pa!* *Pa!*
Leon threw a solid left hook and a right body blow, but–
「Leon, on your left! The police are coming!」
I shouted while Leon was carrying out his punches, and surprised, he jerked his head left.
Having anticipated that movement, before he could move back…
*Pa!*
I struck his jaw with the heel of my hand.
「–Ugh…」
Stunned by the blow, Leon staggered as he stood to his feet and retreated sluggishly.
Of course the police aren’t coming. It was a bluff.
He had been tricked by something so simple. But Leon was still fired up, so…
「This is how you use a sign post!」
Running lightly and jumping, I jumped at a the pole of a 『No Parking』 sign and folded my body in–
–*Boom!*
Like some kind of wall-jump, expanding my arms, legs, and back at the same time, I drove both my feet into Leon’s face. Doing that, I deliver more force than any boxer could pack into a punch.
Saying 『Wow!』 the students watching sent up a cheer.
「Aghhh!」
Upsetting a rubbish bin by the roadside in grand style, Leon fell backwards…*Thump!*…!
Striking the back of his head on the asphalt.
Hey now! Don’t you even know ukemi!?11
「Ooogh…!」
With a nauseous face, Leon writhed in pain. From his perspective, the world must be spinning.
As a boxer, he would never have received a blow to the back of the head. The rules don’t allow it and protect him.
But in actual hand-to-hand combat, you go for the most vital points first.
「…Ughhhh…」
Leaning on the guard rail, Leon was able to raise his upper body.
But it looked like he was unable to stand, and he remained seated. Glaring at me resentfully. Dangerously.
With me looking down at Leon–
It was obvious that victory had been decided, and seeing that, the students raised a loud cheer.
「Shit…!」
Realising that his boxing skills weren’t getting him anywhere, he reached behind his back–
In the back of his leather trousers, from which he drew a gun he had hidden there.
「…You really should stop.」
I had already noticed it and gave Leon a scowl.
Bringing a weapon into the fight makes it interesting, but I think it makes things dangerous for my opponent.
「S-Scared are ya?」
Misinterpreting my statement, Leon sneered with a grin… and I grabbed the grip of the pistol.
「No. It’s been hard for me to hold back.」
And in response to my words–
Leon furrowed his eyebrows.
There was at least the possibility that he knew what I had said was not a lie. But because a yakuza cannot show his back, he pushed on regardless.
「–Die!!!」
Not giving up, he pulled out an automatic pistol–a Makarov PM, and pointed it at me.
Shrieks immediately sounded from the surroundings.
The students screamed 「It’s a gun!」 and fled like a bunch of baby spiders.
And as I saw Leon’s arm muscles tensing to take action, I had already begun to move–
Leon was left-handed, and as soon as he drew his gun, I move to his left side and grabbed the back of his gun in my right hand while jamming my finger in between the cocking hammer– now he won’t be able to shoot.
Next, I restrained Leon’s left superficial flexor muscle, rendering him unable to grasp a gun. At the same time, I released the magazine and pulled the slide back, ejecting the bullet from the chamber so now the cocking hammer would strike only empty air…
…There you go!
If we couldn’t do that in under 5 seconds, Ranbyou would beat us to a pulp.
How many hundreds of times did I do it in ASSAULT, and I got caught up in the moment and 『cleaned up』… In front of everyone.
–Watching me do that, Leon clicked his tongue.
「You… you’re a professional.」
「Ehhh? What do you mean?」
Having a spare magazine, as he loaded it into his gun, I… Felt a strangely exhilarating feeling.
As if what had been bothering me every day until now was a lie.
This fight was child’s-play for me, but was it because I held a gun again?
「You did tell me that I should give up.」
Leon ran his fingers lightly through his closely cropped hair–
I had been glancing back into a corner of my field of vision ever since this bad situation started, and I sighed.
–Moe was there. In the crowd of students watching.
Moe is on the inside of the glass front of the Kawai Cram School, and standing there…
Looking at me with an expression of 「What did I just see happen?」.
Moe did say that she went to a cram school… and it looks like it’s this one. This just isn’t my day.
Seeing me stop and look at her like that, it is obvious that we have some kind of relation.
The yakuza are good at spotting things like that. What might happen if they figure out that you are connected to me.
But… I can’t just tell her to get out of here. Then they’d be sure to find out.
「You there–! Hey–! What are you doing-!」
Although I was bluffing a while ago, now there were police running toward us.
I thought the people at the cram school were ignoring the incident, but it seems that someone had reported it.
But because there was a lot of foot traffic in the area, the officers were having a hard time pushing their way through the crowd.
Then from the backseat of the Century…
「I must thank you for giving that show-boating idiot his medicine.」
Wearing a modern cut kimono meant for casual wear, with flowers arranged in her long, glossy dyed brown hair, a female yakuza stepped out.
Although there’s something slightly off in the look of her eyes, she is a beautiful woman, no, a beautiful girl.
Even though she has a mature look, she can’t be more than 16.
「…I’m not a doctor.」
I know this beauty. I recognised when I heard her voice– Kikuyo Kagataka: Daughter of the organised Kagataka Family syndicate.
「Tohyama. Let’s go on a date. The ‘you’ right now can’t refuse, am I right?」
Saying that, she obviously knows me too. The two of us have met before. Although it’s an impossible fate.
「…」
It looks like she won’t simply allow me to leave. And in Hysteria Mode, it’s hard to ignore womanly wiles.
「Alright. Let’s go. If you were to make too much ‘noise’ though, Kikuyo, it would cost a lot to keep your shady business hidden, you know.」
Grumbling slightly as the driver of the Century pointed an Uzi at me from the slightly cracked door, I… got in the back seat with Kikuyo.
「K-Kikuyo-san, me too…」
Still holding his aching head, Leon tried to get in as well, but Kikuyo…
「Deal with it. You’re a man aren’t you? The cops are coming. Better start moving.」
Leaving him with those words, Kikuyo slammed the car door shut.
**************************************************************************
It sees that Kikuyo is good at eluding the police. She doesn’t seem worried about being caught.
「If you wanted to invite me on a date, don’t you think you could have avoided all this elaborate fuss?」
「I thought that if I made it look like a kidnapping, it would make things easier for you, Tohyama.」
Taking advantage of the fact that the car was rounding a corner, Kikuyo used the side mirror– to look back. At Moe.
I knew she’d figure it out.
Moe had gotten the cram school students to shelter back inside the building….
But after I had gotten into the car, she came back out onto the sidewalk and started looking around.
It was obvious. She was looking for me.
「Is she yours?」
Kikuyo asked, annoyed, raising her pinky finger.
「I don’t know her.」
「Tohyama, whenever you are protecting a girl, you always use the same line.」
In response to my words, Kikuyo adopted a tired look and slouched back.
If I remember, this scent is Hypnotic Poison12— I really don’t like perfumes, but… this one I don’t mind.
And Kikuyo knows this.
Outside the window, crosswalks, vending machines, and signs and billboards for the local nightlife meant to entice the passerby streamed past.
As the car moved down the street, the local pimps bowed their heads in acknowledgement, I noticed.
This is getting complicated…
Leaning against my shoulder and humming…
「To the office, Fifth Family Head?」
The largely built chauffeur with the scar in his face asked Kikuyo.
「No, to 『The Ruby』. All the executives will meet us there.」
Just like I remember, she turned her head slightly to the side while giving this order.
That sulky gesture was unexpectedly cute, and it only strengthened my Hysteria Mode.
「Nice car.」
I said as I pulled myself away from Kikuyo’s body, pretending to look around at the inside of the car.
In reality, the Century really is a luxury car. I noticed that when I got in.
「Want it?」
「…… I’ll pass. But I think I misjudged you, I thought you liked Mercedes?」
「I do have one, but only for fun. It would be a problem if a foreign car broke down at the wrong moment. Even the American Mafia prefer Japanese cars. But if you want it, Tohyama, you can have it– even the Benz.」
Kikuyo…Whenever I admire something she has, she always asks: 『Want it?』 without fail.
「–But Kikuyo, how did you find me?」
I said evasively as the nightlife of Shinobazu street rolled past the windows, smiling as I changed the subject.
「Fu fu! You shouldn’t underestimate the yakuza intelligence network. Some low-ranking members know Fujikibayashi and Asao. They were bragging about their fight, and so it eventually reached my ears.」
Kikuyo explained the trick behind how she found me, and the chauffeur rummaged in his pocket for a mobile and then turned to look at me in the rear-view mirror.
「Sir, what should we do with Leon? We’ve caught him, but… To get to the point, do you think a finger or…?」
「O-Oi! Let him go. Where I come… came from, those kind of fights happen every 5 minutes.」
「Yes, sir. Understood.」
These people are dangerous.
Knowing things before the police, and moving faster. Thinking about how I had saved Leon here, I shook my head…
「I knew about your father’s ‘job’, but it looks like you’ve inherited it.」
「My predecessor was killed. Internal dispute. Now I’m the boss.」
Kikuyo–
When I went to Kanagawa Middle School– an affiliate of Butei High– she had figured out Hysteria Mode, and at every possible turn, used me as her personal 『ally of justice』.
She had plans to join LEZZAD with her connexions to the criminal underworld, but in the middle of training she dropped out.
She said that she had to transfer so quickly for family reasons–in the end, it seems it really was something like that.
「Fu fu! I’m so happy. My hero will eat dinner with me tonight.」
Saying that, the look in Kikuyo’s narrowed eyes suggested a maturity beyond her actual age…
The inside of the car had been softly well-lit, but we now stopped in front of a restaurant with a flashy signboard.
***************************************************************************************
The 『Ruby』 was very selective and only served members and their guests.
Or so it would seem… the restaurant has a basement that gives off a mysterious vibe that reaches the upper floors, and everything is owned by Kikuyo.
Only authorised people can enter– it’s what you might call a yakuza building.
「…」
Like its name, the interior was richly decked with red colour and gold undertones– and, of course, you could only get in with a reservation.
The waitresses wore Chinese dresses with skirts so short that you could almost see their underwear, while the hostesses wore long multi-coloured strapless dresses and greeted the guests with a smile…
Without exception, there were all beauties.
What is this place, the Palace of the Dragon King?13
But the only water here was a goldfish tank with a dangerous notice that said:
『There is no poison in the food. But if you are mistrustful, you may put the food in the tank and see for yourself.』
As expected, it is that kind of place.
Walking inside, my eyebrow rose slightly…
「This kind of place doesn’t suit you? Want some sushi?」
Her long kimono fluttering like a goldfish’s fins, the princess of this palace asked as she walked like a model down a runway.
「No, the smell of old and new gunpowder relaxes me, but…I think there are a few too many girls.」
「Oi! All of you can leave.」
I only grumbled a few words, but Kikuyo ordered all of those beauties out at once.
Reaching the back of the room, we entered a large, expensively decorated private room–
Inside, there was a huge table that dominated the room, covered with more food than you could eat and expensive bottles of sake arranged neatly in rows.
Just like the offer of the car we had ridden in, this show of generosity is the yakuza way of showing honour and welcome. Refusing it would be like rejecting them.
Well, compared to the Benz this is a mere trifle…
Thinking that, I noticed everyone looking at me like I was a long-awaited guest– They all wore matching gold badges marking them all out as the executives of the Kagataka Family and they were all seated at the table.
Hey! This is scary. It’s about 3 times scarier than going to MASTERS at Butei High.
「…」
Sitting down, I looked around. Once I did so, everyone looked back at me.
Then, in unison, they all gave an 『Ah, yes.』 as a token of acceptance.
Don’t be so quick to accept me.
Is this because a yakuza can know a person by just looking at them?
In Butei terms this was we call 『the ablitiy to compare strength between yourself and others』.– in short, the ability to determine whether an opponent is stronger or weaker than you, quickly and accurately.
They would be also be doing the same. The yakuza feed upon the weak, if only they did not have that habit of currying favour with the strong…
The reason I am not arrogant of this fact is that, worst case scenario, they may decide to kill me. For real.
It is for that reason that Butei infiltration and investigations of the families are so difficult. Such things are usually left to a specialist.
「…See? I told you he was good, didn’t I?」
Sitting next to me, the fifth family head, Kikuyo, said smiling at the room.
「Yes. This guest has a fine look. He looks like someone who has crossed over the point of life and death several times.」
Kikuyo’s bodyguard and erstwhile chauffeur said the same thing as my grandfather.
「Ha! This boy looks more frightening than a yakuza.」
A handsome man in a pinstripe suit that looked like a club host said with a laugh as he folded his hands behind his head.
The way he jested lightly , would have attracted any girl and make her light-headed.
「Yes, he might have a face like a potato, but he is strong.」
Said the man with the shaved head that Kikuyo had introduced as an ex-wrestler. I could just make out a tattoo on his neck.
「So that is how it is. That there is such a child, proves the world is a large place.」
Said the tall man who seemed to be the brain of the family operation, and who looked like a first-class trade company businessman. A Tokyo Law School graduate.
They are all looking at me with interest– but it seems they understand.
They had learned from Leon’s mistake… They knew that if it came to it, I could defeat them all in under a minute.
Well, it would be better if things went on without a problem. If I were to try my strength again, the number of victims would only increase.
「Tohyama, something to drink?」
Kikuyo said as she grabbed a bottle of brandy from the table.
「I don’t drink sake. I’m underage.」
「Hmph.」
Taking out a pipe and placing it between her lips, Kikuyo held the red pipe in her mouth between her red painted lips–
Immediately, the executive who looked like a host sitting next to her lit it.
「… I don’t get many chances to use it. It’s a DuPont lighter.」
Giving Kikuyo a wry smile,
「You know, you shouldn’t smoke.」
And immediately, Kikuyo passed the pipe to the host sitting next to her– and picking up a cup of water on the table *Splash!*
Put out the cigarillo that the Tokyo Law Graduate was already smoking.
「Alright, he doesn’t like the smoke.」
Getting mad at someone for something you do yourself. This reminds me of Aria trying to shift the blame to someone else.
What had just happened made me very uncomfortable, but putting that aside–
「–That’s not all that I don’t like.」
I glanced around at the group, and then looked at Kikuyo.
Realising that I didn’t like the group of executives, Kikuyo said:
「All of you can leave.」
Perhaps because tonight was only meant as a formal introduction, the executives all rose from their seats.
But the fact they left without a complaint… surprised me.
******************************************************************
「… Tohyama, how do I look? Since middle-school… haven’t I become a beauty?」
When the two of us were alone, Kikuyo…
Up until now she had acted in a mature manner, but now she became quite shy.
「–I can’t deny the truth.」
I answered as she hid her face as the current me thought: 「I can’t get enough of this!」
And with an expressive look,
「My mom was an actress, you know. Canadian. They tell me that I look more and more like her.」
「It must be true. That’s why your hair is such a light colour, although I never heard anyone in middle-school mention it.」
「That’s because I never talked to any else about my parents.」
Kikuyo turned red and reached for a Lychee fruit.
I don’t… no…I think I’d better eat some of this feast.
For a normal person, eating with a yakuza would be a problem, but for Butei it’s a different case. It’s a well established rule of custom.
Besides, my Butei licence hasn’t expired yet…
My grandfather would beat me if I let good food go to waste, so I took a piece of shark fin in my chopsticks.
This is… wonderfully delicious! The chef must be very talented and have used the best ingredients.
There is no poison in it, but such wonderful food could well become a danger for the one eating it.
「So, as compensation for your trouble earlier, will this be enough?」
Kikuyo took out a suit case and opened it to reveal 30 million yen in notes packed inside…
「It’s fine, the food is enough.」
I refused, but I could certainly use one or two of those stacks.
A luxury car, fancy restaurant, and now money–
Giving such expensive gifts is like advertising for the yakuza.
They show off the number of expensive things they have to important people and companies to prove how well their business is doing and to serve as an open bribe, since they can’t put out flashy signs and billboards.
All of the executives were wearing Versace suits and diamond studded Rolexes.
It might have looked like an act, but it wasn’t to show off their poor taste, but rather to prove that they 『appreciated the finer things in life』.
All things considered, the message from Kikuyo’s group was clear– meant to convey that they were prosperous.
「The modern yakuza don’t like to stand out, now do they?」
Taking a bit of Peking Duck, I probed the matter further…
「We are old-fashioned.」
…Something in Kikuyo’s eyes told me she was hiding something.
Should I investigate further to use up some time? It doesn’t look like they’ll let me leave after eating just one dish.
「So what does your family do now?」
「Ufu-fu, well what do you think? Drugs, protection, debt collection… we do all kinds of illegal trade. We even have food stalls at festivals! 」
「Don’t be coy. I at least want to know where the money for this food I’m eating came from.」
My face became serious, and as Kikuyo filled my glass with Oolong tea…
「China.」
She said in a voice that did not seem to be lying.
…Now I see! The Chinese restaurant should have been a hint. So this has been the point this entire night.
「In the industry, the foreign trade has always been a co-operation between the old families and their supporter organisations, and the Kagataka family was originally one of these supporting organisations. So we never had access to the kind of big jobs that a larger organisation did. Besides that… ever since I took over as the head of the family, we have been ignored in the domestic trade as well.」
So… now I see.
Unlike in the movies, the real underworld is controlled by men.
Having met the executives, I understood that there was no one among them capable of leading the family business, so Kikuyo had inherited the job– and she was at a disadvantage.
「Do you know? Japanese goods are popular in foreign markets, and not just cars and anime. The yakuza too. No matter the country, the mafia welcome us.」
I did know that.
Internationally, in the criminal underworld, deep pockets translates to power. The yakuza still hold that power because they are rich in Japanese yen.
「So, in order to turn things around in one go, we have allied ourselves with one of the big Chinese organisations. Now, we draw our funds from the Macao Casino region where we have invested. So, of course, it’s entirely legal. You can relax and enjoy the food.」
Looking like a global investing businesswoman, Kikuyo shot me a seductive sidelong glance.
「Who have you partnered with? If it’s the Chinese Mafia, I know a few names.」
「It’s an armed group with a lot of strength. I think they will suit you. We should meet with them. The Chinese executives just happen to be in Japan right now. It seems they are in the middle of clearing up some kind of international dispute, and I’m sure they would like to meet with a superman like you.」
Kikuyo said, omitting the name of the organisation.
This anonymity must be a sticking point with the Chinese. So they have to be a suitably large organisation.
Knock on wood, I’ll have to tread carefully.14
「I think I have to pass. I don’t speak Chinese, and I’m not a superman.」
「You can’t fool me, I know you. Our line of work requires fighting spirit. We need strong people.」
「… So you want me to join your family?」
「That’s right! Let’s share a cup of sake, then we’ll be step-brother and sister15.」
She answered, completely oblivious to the situation… and I could only smile bitterly.
「I already have a little sister.」
「You do? Is she a Butei too?」
「Yes. But I didn’t know about her until recently.」
「If that’s the case, then she can join too. The yakuza are always looking for qualified people, even defected Butei. Ex-military, police, and the like, they all have a place with the yakuza. The executive board is unanimous in this decision.」
「T-the board…」
「Tohyama, you could become the most famous yakuza in Japan…no, the world. Your name would go down in history, like Al Capone. And with me… as your… first wife… j-just kidding about that part!」
Although she says that she is kidding, I can tell from the look in her eye that she isn’t–
「– I don’t want to be a yakuza.」
I said that after eating her food, but I had to be perfectly clear.
I recalled the special pains I have taken to desperately become a normal person. Becoming a famous criminal, is not something I can do.
「S…so that’s how it is? I’m sorry. Master Kou will be so disappointed…」
Saying that…. Kikuyo made a small mistake let a name slip out.
–Kou.
That must be the name of one of the Chinese executives.
Kikuyo seems to have caught her own mistake…
And since I had refused the sake, in the end, our conversation had stalled.
「Well then, I think we’ll leave it for tonight…」
She said, and I anticipated words that would allow me to excuse myself–
But she changed the topic which until now had been business talk that had seemed a bit mature for her, and Kikuyo said:
「–Remember the old days?」
As she began to reminisce.
Still in Hysteria Mode, it would make me feel bad to leave abruptly. Of course, Kikuyo knows that all too well, so that’s why she changed the subject.
Aware of that, she poured out some jasmine tea.
「Yes…I remember.」
「In middle school, when I learned about your condition… I made you do many, many things. I’m sorry. But is it possible… to leave all that in the past?」
I heard Kikuyo whisper in a low, sorrowful voice.
Since complaining about such things is not the manly thing to do:
「It really wasn’t that serious– I can’t hold a lady’s mistakes against her.」
It was all so firmly in the past, that I really let it go.
How many times had I been bullied by girls? If I were to write down every little thing that Aria and Riko did to me, I’d be drowning in a sea a notebooks.
Besides, holding on to grudges is a waste of your life. You should just forget about it.
Kikuyo had apologised.
「Oh…!」
Responding to my Hysteria Mode induced words, her face became a mix of happiness and embarrassment… unable to calm herself, Kikuyo rearranged her legs underneath her short kimono.
…Ugh…
This is bad. My Hysteria Mode just got stronger all at once. Resituating herself, Kikuyo exposed her legs so that her upper legs up to the thigh were exposed through the slit down the front…
What I could see had caught my attention. I remembered that Tamamo had said that underwear was not worn with kimonos–
「…Back then, I was bullied too.」
As Kikuyo said that, I thought back to those memories and tried to find refuge in them. Calming my mind.
Although Kikuyo has always had a twisted view of the world, for some strange reason she was always our middle-school’s most popular girl… she was very popular with the boys and very disliked by the girls in the school.
Kanagawa was a Butei High affiliate, and needless to say, it was meant to help train and shape future Butei.
For Kikuyo, her connections to the underworld were a great asset, but the yakuza are fundamentally seen as the natural enemy of Butei.
And Kikuyo’s parents were yakuza.
That was enough to find fault with– and the girls bullied Kikuyo for it.
…And for that, there was no reason not to sympathise with her. Children can’t choose their parents.
「I remember. The time that the bullies cut my bathing suit, and you got even with them.」
「I remember too.」
That was where it all started.
Some of the mean girls played a trick on Kikuyo by messing with her bathing suit. They had secretly cut up Kikuyo’s bathing suit and stitched it back together with water-soluble thread so it would come apart after Kikuyo got into the water.
The swimming classes were separated by gender, but ending up half-naked and unable to go home, Kikuyo ran back and hid herself in the shower room and cried until nightfall.
Then, by chance, I was the one assigned to clean-up duty, and I found her…
Yes, and what happened next, I would rather not recall.
Returning with a spare uniform, Kikuyo changed, and I stayed with her, gently soothing and comforting her until she stopped crying– I understood her feelings and using the power of Hysteria Mode on those girls…
Of course, I didn’t hit them, but I got them to agree to do what I wanted.
They all lined up in a row and apologised to Kikuyo, but all of them, Kikuyo included, were Butei in the making. They all began their own investigation of me, and soon after the rebellion occurred…
Not long after, I became the useful 『ally of justice』
「But you might not remember this. Even when you weren’t like you are now, you defended me.」
Huh…? Suddenly turning red…
Kikuyo said something surprising.
Could that be true…?
Seeing my confused expression, she continued.
「That time when someone stole the money from the classroom lock-box. Everyone acted as if I had stolen it. Everyone… except you.」
A~ah! My family has a saying: 『Don’t forget what has been done for you, forget what you have done for others』 so I had intentionally forgotten it.
「Ah, yes. now I remember.」
I’m sure that I was the normal me at that time.
Despite the fact that they were Butei-in-training, they were all too ready to heartlessly jump to a conclusion so I shouted the protest: 「No one has any proof, now do they!」
So they let Kikuyo go, and the real culprit was found out later.
Come to think of it… Kikuyo didn’t use my Hysteria Mode against me after that.
「After that, well… I… to you…」
「?」
Kikuyo began to stammer and look away, then looked up to me from where she was sitting. After a brief silence–
「…tried to give you a lo- love le- love letter… I wrote it many times, but… every time, I tore it up. I made you do all of these things, and my guilt wouldn’t let me give it to you.」
This…
This had become a dangerous topic. One with a completely different danger than the previous one.
「Tohyama. If anyone asks if you have eaten my family’s food today– I will deny it.」
Kikuyo laid her hand on my arm, while her face showed the she had come to her second point.
「In return, y… you will be my boyfriend.」
「Wh-what?」
「You’ve left Butei High, right? If it was some kind of investigation, you wouldn’t be going to that cram school without a gun. We’re a bunch of drop-outs, so let’s go out together!」
Kikuyo began pulling on the hand that was still on my arm.
I have to find some way to escape using Hysteria Mode, but Kikuyo knows very well how it works. Riko can deftly manipulate me the same way, so I have to be careful.
「Well no, you see I…」
Trying to find words to reject her that won’t hurt her, Kikuyo spoke up.
「You don’t get it, do you? I’m threatening you, Tohyama!」
I knew it…
Kikuyo, you really are a bad person.
「If I spread your secret, you won’t be able to go to a normal school, will you?」
Without using her fists, she struck me where it hurt the most, and she struck without hesitation.
She had probably been planning this all along.
「…」
Keeping quiet, Kikuyo’s smile said 『I win』.
「I would have preferred not to have to have had to use this threat, but, you see, our statuses are quite different.」
「If that’s what you think, then raise your own status and ask again.」
「That’s… just like you…」
*Squeeze!*
Kikuyo hugged me with all her strength.
Clinging to me, I felt my Hysteria Mode intensify.
Ever since middle-school, Kikuyo has been attractive. Because of her home-life, she has always seemed more mature. Now she has this sex appeal unlike any other high school girl.
This is not something I could have with Aria who looks like an elementary student. While pondering about how increasingly flustered my Hysteria Mode was making me…
「I wanted to see you again… I want to see you again! My very own, ally of justice. So when I saw you from the car, I knew it was a miracle that I had met you again…!」
My heart pounding, Kikuyo said this with moistened eyes.
If this were the normal me, I would shake off her arm and dash through the nearest window to escape, but…
In Hysteria Mode, I can’t. Because it would hurt a girl.
This is bad…!
Because the room had no bed or sofa, I had completely lowered my guard.
And because my opponent was a yakuza, I was on the lookout for armed dangers and so left a gap in my awareness. I neglected to prepare myself for that kind of danger. And she had exploited it.
Kikuyo must have taken great care in planning this out. This is just as elaborate as one of Riko’s plots.
「In the car, I managed to stay calm, but– all the while my heart was throbbing. Now… I can’t think about anything except you, Tohyama…」
I can’t hurt her– What can I say?
There is something. There is this 『Countermeasure』 that my older brother, when he called himself Kana, taught to me.
Even though things have gone this far, it’s still a 50-50 bet.
If I lose, I will have to join her family. Right in this chair.
「Now then… Kikuyo, can I ask you a question?」
Now I have no choice but to cross that bridge. Come on… Kikuyo!
「What is it?」
「After we’re going out… What do you want me to do to you, Kikuyo?」
I said with a tender smile, as I gazed into her slightly glazed eyes.
「Eh? T-That… no… something like… I can’t say it.」
Alright…!
Blushing red for all she was worth, she tried to hide it, but the words stuck in her throat.
「What is it? Won’t you tell me, Kikuyo? Come now… Kikuyo.」
It’s the same technique I used on Aria as a distraction while we were on the jet-ski,『Woodpecker』.
It’s how to deal with a question that is difficult to answer–
If asked a question that you can’t answer, in order to prevail, you should reply with another question that the other party cannot readily answer.
This purposeful cycle takes advantage of increased natural female shyness. This is a technique that keeps you from having to answer.
In order to increase the odds of success, I used this during the train-jacking on Shirayuki and added 『Charming Call』.
In short, it’s a kind of hypnosis.
「…T-Tohyama thinks about something like that… I could, but…」
She had fallen right into my trap and was squirming helplessly–
Gently, like plucking a flower, I took Kikuyo’s hands, and… separated us from each other.
We had crossed it, somehow. Although it was a dangerous bridge.
And Kikuyo…
*squeeze!*
…sat in her chair, pulled her legs in close, bowed her head, and made herself into a ball.
Her blush reached down to her neck. You are definitely imagining all sorts of things right now.
For that, I am sorry.
The fever successfully drawn out, I began to stroke and caress her head…
「Well then, I must be going.」
With that declaration of victory, I stood up from my chair.
Kikuyo was still sitting in that gym class pose, hugging her knees. I doesn’t look like she is going to follow me.
Were my caresses so gentle that she fell asleep?
「–Can I ask you something, Tohyama?」
She had not fallen asleep.
「What’s that?」
I said as I exited the luxuriously furnished room.
「You had this dead fish-face when you were going into the cram school, but during the yakuza meeting you were lively.」
「…」
That was… I can’t deny it.
I am perfectly comfortable in the underground world of crime.
There is much more to dazzle the eye there than in a dull school.
–While turning her face, Kikuyo said:
「I won’t say anything about that school, but an ex-Butei will never be able to integrate into normal society except on the lowest level. After leaving that school, it’s better to become a yakuza. If you have any conditions, we can discuss what it would take to bring you on board…」
She still hasn’t given on getting me to join her family.
「I’m sorry. Negotiate is the very thing I can’t do. I would betray the yakuza.」
「That’s just what you’ve done! Betrayed Butei High in order to go down into normal society.」
…She hit me where it really hurts.
That not something I can deny. I–
–can only be silent and retreat.
As I opened the large wooden door with the exquisitely carved Phoenix on it…
「You know it, right? I’m not very patient.」
Kikuyo’s voice said.
Turning slightly with her head laid down… Her arms still clasping her knees, from the gap between her bangs she glared at me.
Some of the boys liked it because 『it gave them the chills』 , it was the sharp look when Kikuyo was resentful.
「…I know.」
「So you know I’m not good at losing.」
「I know that too.」
「Really, that is all there is to it. But here’s something you don’t know.」
「Ah?」
「I just realised it myself.」
With a *Whoosh!* Kikuyo threw something sharp and pointed–
Drawing a card from inside her sleeve, she threw it like a shuriken.
With a solid *Thunk*, it stuck into the door right before my eyes.
Since I knew she didn’t intend to hit me, I didn’t move to avoid it, but it cut one or two strands of my hair in its path.
「…?」
Looking at it, it was a platinum credit card. With the corners’ edges sharpened like knives..
「–The PIN is 1111. Compensation for your trouble today, so use it as much as you want.」
「I told you I didn’t want it. Don’t you know? I don’t like pushy girls very much.」
「Well, then I guess… I won’t be pushy. Tohyama… have a good night.」
Grasping her knees and hiding her face, Kikuyo waved goodbye.
And now, to finish my escape… but…
It was all due to the power of Hysteria Mode.
I tried hard to become a normal person, and despite the fact that I had achieved it to some extent–Hysteria Mode will play some role in my life.
I escaped Butei High, I escaped Kikuyo…
I can’t escape myself. I am who I am.
I can’t run forever.
No, I absolutely cannot run away. Because I am me.
If I could, what would I do? I…
I…
(END OF CHAPTER)
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1. The kanji for ‘rice’ can be seen as a composite of all the kanji for the number 88 八+十+八 = 米 ((8×10)+ 8 = 88). Basically, there is a lot of work that goes into it, and it should be appreciated, not greedily eaten.
2. Famous swordsman and wandering samurai reputed in tales to have sat down and intimidated his enemies by idly catching a flies with chopsticks.
3. The Kanji for the name Kinzou are the ones for ‘Gold’ and ‘Three’
4. Traditional Japanese short formal coat. Kinji’s family wear traditional Japanese clothing at home.
5. ‘Gap-school’ is a term I made up. There are special school in Japan to help students who take a year off before starting university to improve test scores and get into better schools
6. Doraemon reference to the oversized bully character in the animated series.
7. Seems to be a fictional island, but in Russian, ‘blesk’ means ‘bright’ or ‘dazzling’.
8. A game where children sit on the ground with the backs facing each other and try to stand by pushing their backs together.
9. The Japanese onomatopoeia for mouse squeaks is identical to the one for kissing sounds.
10. ‘Bousouzoku’ in the original–Organised groups of young people under 20 that ride heavily modified motorbikes and drive recklessly or disrupt traffic for thrills. Asao and Fujikibayashi are wannabe Bousouzoku.
11. As previously stated, Ukemi is martial arts training to fall safely and minimise damage.
12. A famous Dior perfume apparently.
13. Japanese Mythological Palace located at the bottom of the sea.
14. Actually Kinji says ‘Kuwabara Kuwabara’. It’s a folk charm to ward of misfortune.
15. Seems to be a ritual connected to joining the yakuza. The prospetive member drinks from the same cup of sake as the one admitting them to the group.
